"?Former Burnley midfielder John Deary, who made nearly 300 appearances for the club in the early 1990s, has urged star Clarets defender Michael Keane to resist the offers of a big money move in January and stay at Turf Moor where he can continue to develop.
Keane has been the subject of rumours of £25m interest from Chelsea in recent weeks, while reigning Premier League champions Leicester made more than one attempt to prise away the Manchester United academy graduate over the summer.
"For Michael, it's important to stay at Burnley for his development, despite interest from the big clubs," Deary told bwin.
"He's got a great manager in Sean Dyche and, at a team like Burnley, he'll have lots of opportunities to deal with defensive situations," he added.
"I think going to another club now wouldn't be right for him as opportunities will come in the near future if he keeps playing like this. There's no rush and there's no harm in staying at Burnley for the rest of the season to continue his development."
Deary compared the situation to that of John Stones when it was feared his career would take a hit by leaving Everton, first when Chelsea were interested, and then after joining Manchester City.
As it happens, that hasn't quite been the case, with Stones after a strong start to life at the Etihad Stadium. It is still a possible concern for Keane, though, even if Deary actually sees the 23-year-old as a better 'defender' than the more technically capable £47m City man.
"You could look at the situation in similar fashion to John Stones. I think they are both very different players but Michael is a better defender and should have been given some match time (for England) to prove it," Deary explained.
"Michael is a good, old fashioned centre back, which is refreshing when you look at the type of defenders playing in the Premier League these days.
"I don't think players like defending any more. The tackling, heading and clearing of the ball has gone out of the game a little and defenders are expected to be as good technically as players further forward. I've heard from one coach that players aren't taught to head the ball, which is ridiculous."
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