In the January transfer window, sports witness Aston Villa's interest in Fiorentina striker Moise Kean has been covered. Now, Fulham have emerged as contenders to potentially take the Italian back to the Premier League.
Keane has clearly moved on from his failures at Everton. He scored 19 times in Serie A last season and again became a key part of the Italian national team. He made a slow start to the current campaign but managed to score eight times in the league.
The 25-year-old has scored once in each of the last three matches, and played a role in pulling Fiorentina out of the relegation zone.
His impressive performances are now again attracting the attention of the Italian press. Fulham have been mentioned as a contender, with other clubs also in the running.
Fulham asked to pay release clause
today's gazzetta dello sport Looks at the striker's position in detail.
Fulham 'expressed interest' in January. Al-Hilal were also interested and so was Paris FC. At that time the player was not keen on going out but now things may change in the summer.
The Italy international has a release clause of €62m, an increase of €10m since the summer. This will be applicable between July 1 and July 15 this year. There is talk of interest from AC Milan but Italian clubs are unlikely to pay that much.
This may provide an opportunity to clubs like Fulham, who may find it a little easier to complete the assessment. Keane rejected the chance to join Al-Qadsiah last summer and this could indicate a desire to remain in Europe.
Why wouldn't it be easy regardless of money
Gazzetta is confident that several non-Italian clubs would be willing to pay Keane's release clause. He currently earns just €4m per season, which would be too affordable for Fulham, Al-Hilal and other European clubs.
This may all depend on whether the player actually wants to move or not. Fabio Paratici's arrival at Fiorentina could influence his decision, with La Viola trying to build a shiny new project under the Italian. If Keane's team remains in Serie A, these plans could indeed go ahead next season.
The former Toffee may be more ready for the Premier League than earlier in his career. He has transformed into a striker who has developed physically and is capable of making consistent runs in behind.
