Michael Keane is reportedly set to leave Everton on loan in the January transfer window and has even secured an Irish passport to increase his chances of exiting Goodison Park.

The Lowdown: Out of favour

The 29-year-old has fallen out of favour under Frank Lampard this season, having made just two first-team appearances and none since August (Transfermarkt).

The Goodison Park outfit signed Conor Coady and James Tarkowski from Wolves and Burnley respectively in the summer, which has left Keane very limited in terms of his minutes on the pitch.

The Latest: January exit?

As per The Daily Mail, Keane is 'set to leave' Everton on loan in January and could make a move to Europe after securing himself an Irish passport, for which he qualifies through the birthplace of his father.

The EU passport means that Brexit regulations can be swerved, although a move to another club in the Premier League is not ruled out.

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The Verdict: Get rid

Having brought in Coady and Tarkowski, Everton have six senior centre-back options in the squad at the moment including Keane, so they can afford to let him go in January given his lack of game-time.

The England international is currently earning £80,000 per week at the Toffees and is one of the higher earners in the squad.

Getting Keane off of the wage bill would help Everton in terms of increasing their budget to bring in other players in January too, and if he impresses at his loan club, a potential permanent deal could then be negotiated in the summer.