Manchester United consider move for Burnley's Michael Keane - sources

Manchester United are weighing up a move to bring Burnley defender Michael Keane back to Old Trafford, sources close to the player have told ESPN FC.

Keane, 23, has excelled in the Premier League this season and his form has seen him win a call-up to the England senior team, with the defender in the squad for the upcoming games against Scotland and Spain. 

He made just five first-team appearances for United during his time at Old Trafford, spending spells out on loan at Leicester, Derby and Blackburn before joining Burnley in January 2015 on a permanent basis after a successful loan spell at Turf Moor.

Former England under-21 international Keane was instrumental in helping Burnley win promotion to the Premier League last season, missing just one game in the Championship, and he has continued that fine form into the Premier League this term.

Keane was impressive in Burnley's recent 0-0 draw with Manchester United at Old Trafford and his performances have caught the attention of United boss Jose Mourinho as he looks to bolster his defensive options.

Mourinho has been looking to bring in a new central defender since last summer, and there are no doubts over Chris Smalling's future after the manager appeared to question his bravery when he sat out Saturday's 3-1 win over Swansea City.

Burnley are reluctant to lose Keane and they turned down several offers from Premier League champions Leicester City for the centre-back in the summer transfer window, while Chelsea are also tracking Keane as they look to bring a new centre-back to Stamford Bridge.

Speaking in September, Keane said he had no regrets over his failed move to Leicester and that he was happy he made the decision to leave United for Burnley but suggested he remained hopeful of playing for top-level team in the future.

He said he was still in touch with Paul Pogba and Jesse Lingard, adding: "It's good that a lot of that team have kept in touch -- it was a top team, with a great spirit, and every now and again when we can we get together.

"They were good times, coming through the academy together, but it seems a lifetime ago now and we've done a lot since. I'm a United fan and always will be."

Peter O'Rourke is ESPN FC's transfer news correspondent. Follow him on Twitter here.