The 31-year-old was linked with a January deadline-day move away from the club and could well depart at the end of the season.
He has started just four games this season, his last coming in the 3-0 away loss to Wolverhampton Wanderers, a day to forget for Evertonians.
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Keane, who is estimated to earn £80,000-a-week at Goodison Park, should be one of the first names out the door this summer as the club look to lower their wage bill.
Furthermore, allowing Keane to depart could allow Everton to pursue a move for a Championship star.
It’s believed Everton have watched the former Arsenal youngster during the season and that the Black Cats are demanding in the region of £20million.
The 23-year-old has started 356 games this season and has been praised by the local press for his “outstanding” performances for Mike Dodds’ side [Sunderland Echo].
Getting Keane’s significant wages off the books could allow for the signing of a player of Ballard’s calibre. His wage demands certainly wouldn’t be as high as the former Burnley defender’s.
Furthermore, signing a young player referred to as the best defender in the Championship could be considered astute long-term planning, something that hasn’t happened enough at Goodison Park.
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