Dobson convinced Everton on to a winner with Keane

The price Everton paid to sign Michael Keane could rise to a club record-equalling fee but former Toffees star Martin Dobson is adamant the Blues have signed a brilliant all-round player.

Centre-back Keane impressed at Burnley last term, helping them avoid relegation from the Premier League as they conceded the second-fewest goals of any team in the bottom half, and that form earned him a £25million move to Goodison Park, which could rise to £30m.

For his part, Dobson made 190 appearances for Everton between 1974 and 1978, having previously played more than 400 matches for the Clarets – meaning he is someone who has tracked Keane’s progress closely in recent years.

The 69-year-old has also worked as a scout for a host of clubs since retiring and is adamant the 24-year-old will be a roaring success as a Toffee.

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“Michael has certainly been very influential in the success Burnley have had in the last few years and I’d like to think he’s going to carry on that progress at Goodison Park,” said Dobson.

“He has shown all different kind of attributes at Burnley and his attitude is always excellent.

“He popped up with a few goals and is a big danger at set-plays. He has scored a lot of important goals over the last two or three years, so his contribution has been magnificent.

“He’s also very comfortable in possession, and in football nowadays, you look for players who can come forward with the ball.

“He’s excellent in the air, wins the ball and his positional play is good. He’s just a quality player who is going to go a long way in the game.

“Playing at a top club in front of big crowds with the support he will get on Merseyside, it’s another stage to his career.

“He’ll use all the experience he has gained and I just think he’s at the right age to come to a wonderful club like Everton. Once he’ll get established, I’m sure he’ll go from strength to strength.”