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Michael Keane believes the Everton squad will be the fittest they have ever been when the Premier League season begins next weekend.

The Blues have been through an intense pre-season programme and the defender feels it will stand the team in good stead for this campaign.

Speaking to the Liverpool ECHO, Keane said: "It has been about fitness, sharpness, and being mentally and physically prepared for the season ahead.

"Since I have been at the Club, we haven’t been as fit as what we are going to be in the next few weeks after we finish this pre-season. Hopefully that stands us in good stead.

"I’ve enjoyed being back and working hard. I think the manager made it clear at the end of last year that we would be working really hard in pre-season, and that has been the case.

"Everybody has relished it, and everyone has come back fit, and you can tell we are getting sharper every day and stronger every day."

Later in the interview, Keane praised Everton Academy graduate Lewis Dobbin for the significant impact the youngster has made over the summer.

"I think he has done really well in pre-season, and he’s looking fit and sharp. He has got bits of quality and is only going to get better as well," he continued.

"He is a young lad who obviously had some good experience last season out on loan, and that will have done him good."

In other news, Everton will reportedly not entertain any interest for defender Jarrad Branthwaite.

FootballTransfers claims Manchester United have the English defender on their transfer shortlist, however, Everton's stance remains clear that the 21-year-old is not for sale.

Finally, Youssef Chermiti appears to be a step closer to completing a move to Everton.

Portuguese outlet Record report that the Sporting CP forward has his "bag packed" ahead of a transfer to Goodison Park.

The tabloid adds that a deal is likely to be completed by the end of the week.