Our Everton fans here in the Transfer Tavern are feeling as upbeat about their side as they have in quite a fair amount of time.

You can see why, too, with the Toffees absolutely flying at the moment and one of the most in-form sides around.

Ronald Koeman has to be praised for the work he has done, then, with his first season on Merseyside going as well as it probably could have and European football a big possibility for 2017/18.

What’s been most impressive, though, is the club’s young stars coming through and playing more and more a prominent part in proceedings – suggesting the future is very bright.

Things could get better, too, with The Sun suggesting Michael Keane could be on the way and our landlord thinks he could be a top signing for the club.

Don’t just take his word, though, here are two reasons why the Burnley defender is the perfect next step in the Dutch boss’ Goodison Park revolution…

Everton need another young class defender

The likes of Mason Holgate and Tyias Browning look like they could have a part to play in the club’s future but there is still going to be some time before they really start featuring.

Keane, though, would come straight in and could be the future of Everton’s back-four for the next decade. Phil Jagielka is looking past it, too, and so the timing of this move looks just about perfect for all involved.

He needs that step up to excel too

There can be no denying that Keane has the potential to be a top-class defender but, with all due respect to Burnley, he’ll have to move on to make that so.

The Toffees are on an upward trajectory at the moment and so is Keane so the potential is there for both to make each others’ fortunes look even more positive than they do at the moment – exciting times.

Thoughts, Everton fans? Let us know below!