Everton podcaster Ryan Williams has claimed that loaning Michael Keane to Southampton would be 'the height of incompetence' by the Toffees.

The Lowdown: Southampton interested in Keane

As per an update from Sky Sports (via Football Daily), the Saints are among 'a number of clubs interested' in signing the 29-year-old on loan from Goodison Park in this month's transfer window.

The defender has only made one appearance in the Premier League so far this season, which came against Brentford in August, and has seen his game-time limited by the arrivals of both Conor Coady and James Tarkowski last summer.

The Latest: 'The height of incompetence'

Taking to Twitter after hearing the rumour, Williams has claimed that loaning out Keane to a fellow relegation rival would be 'the height of incompetence' by Everton.

Sharing a Sky Sports clip detailing the rumour, he fumed: "I'm fine with loaning Keane out, but if he is loaned to a relegation competitor, that's just the height of incompetence."

The Verdict: Avoid

Everton should avoid loaning Keane out to the Saints and should instead send him to a non-relegation rival, or else keep him as a squad option.

Despite his lack of minutes so far this term, the 29-year-old is still young and inexperienced Southampton squad (average age 25).

The Saints are only three points behind Frank Lampard's side, and if Keane is able to hit the ground running at St Mary's, then it could prove to be a disastrous move from the Toffees, especially if Nathan Jones' men were to secure top-flight survival at the Merseysiders' expense.