Burnley boss Sean Dyche expects summer interest in Michael Keane
Burnley boss Sean Dyche says "it's not rocket science" to predict a summer transfer wrangle for newly-capped England defender Michael Keane.
Keane has been the breakout star of the Clarets' Premier League season and saw his stock rise again during the international break, when he made an accomplished debut in Germany then helped his country to a clean sheet in a World Cup qualifier against Lithuania.
Burnley know they face a battle to retain the former Manchester United graduate's services, with the only real question over the identity - and number - of suitors involved.
"It's not rocket science to work out there's a few interested. (It's) the usual chit-chat," said Dyche ahead of Saturday's clash with Tottenham.
Everton are sure to be in the conversation, with their manager Ronald Koeman having admitted the 24-year-old was "on our list" back in January.
Dyche may refer to 'chit-chat' in the first instance but he does harbour genuine concerns about the way in which some managers court targets through the media.
"The game has changed radically, everyone knows everything, its like an open book now, I've never known anything like it," he said.
"Managers just talk openly about contract situations, who they're after, what their situation is...I've never seen anything like it. If a manager conducted himself like that 10 years ago, he'd be asked, 'What do you think you're doing?'
"No one seems to do anything about it. You can only hope or presume the powers that be see it and think, 'That's not quite right'.
"I don't do it. But that's a personal choice, I'm not judging others."
Dyche may not like publicly naming targets but he was happy to get his own message out to those who covet Keane - Burnley have no need to cash in on their top asset.
Speaking with a clear hint of pride, Dyche explained: "This club is in unbelievable shape. Have you seen the finances? Incredible.
"In my time here there's only one time, Charlie Austin (in 2013), where we've had to sell a player.
"We've never had to sell, apart from that one where he was running out of contract and the club needed the money, literally needed the money.
"Since then, we've been in good shape."
Burnley are still waiting on Johann Berg Gudmundsson's return to fitness but Steven Defour may make the bench.
Defour has been involved in first-team training following hamstring trouble but is not considered ready for the starting XI.
Gudmundsson (knee ligaments) is further away from a comeback and Dean Marney is out for the season.
Meanwhile, Mauricio Pochettino has laughed off suggestions Erik Lamela is looking to leave Tottenham this summer.
Lamela will travel to Barcelona on Saturday for surgery as he looks to kick-start his recovery from a hip injury, which has kept the winger out since October.
Pochettino admitted in January that Lamela had grown frustrated on the sidelines and even allowed him to have treatment at his former club Roma in a bid to reinvigorate the 25-year-old.
Spurs have confirmed Lamela will not feature again this season, with reports suggesting the Argentinian may have played his last game for the club and is seeking a return to Italy.
"That was so strange to hear," Pochettino said.
"In the media Lamela is linked with different clubs and it's so difficult for me to understand.
"It's a player who has not played since October and all that he is suffering in the last four, five months, do you think that he is thinking to move? He is thinking to go to Italy? He is very happy here.
"The problems he has he was desperate and the club was desperate to find the solution.
"But I think it made me laugh, every time I hear all that in the media, because it is impossible for him, impossible for the club, impossible for his agent, impossible for his people, to think about moving. Where?
"Now he needs help, more he needs us to help him in the next few months. I think you know better than me that it does not make sense."
Vincent Janssen is struggling to be fit for Tottenham's trip to Turf Moor.
Janssen has a chest infection and will be assessed ahead of the match, while Harry Kane (ankle), Danny Rose (knee) and Lamela (hip) are all ruled out.
Son Heung-min played 90 minutes for South Korea against Syria in Seoul on Tuesday but the striker will be back in time to be available.
Source: PAR
