Everton are reportedly confident of securing the services of Burnley defender James Tarkowski, who is also attracting interest from Newcastle United.
According to the Mirror, Everton are confident of beating Newcastle United and other interested parties to the signing of Burnley defender James Tarkowski on a Bosman deal this summer.
Tarkowski has been with Burnley for over six years now, having joined the club in February 2016 from Brentford. During his time at Turf Moor, the 29-year-old has developed a reputation for being a solid, no-nonsense centre-back, forging a solid partnership with Ben Mee and helping the Clarets tough it out in the Premier League season after season.
However, Tarkowski’s contract with Burnley runs out at the end of June, and he has decided that the time is right for him to move on, especially with the Clarets getting relegated. The England international’s availability on a free transfer has piqued the interest of a whole host of Premier League clubs, with Everton, Newcastle United, Aston Villa and West Ham United some of his suitors.
But, as per the report, Aston Villa and West Ham United have decided to cool their interest in the defender due to his wage demands, leaving Everton and Newcastle United as the two frontrunners for Tarkowski’s signing. And, it is further claimed that the Toffees are confident of landing the 29-year-old in the summer.
Everton are on the lookout for defensive reinforcements after enduring a torrid season which saw them just about avoid the wrath of relegation. The Merseysiders were all over the place defensively and lacked a proper leader at the back who could organise things and keep the defence airtight.
Tarkowski, to that end, has been identified as a target, with Everton already believed to have tabled a contract offer for the Englishman. However, Newcastle United are also in the hunt for Tarkowski’s signing as they look to add more quality and depth to their defensive unit ahead of an ambitious top-six push next season.
With fringe players like Ciaran Clark and Federico Fernandez likely to be on their way out, there will be room in Eddie Howe’s squad for a new centre-half, with Tarkowski’s proven pedigree in the Premier League making him a viable option.
As per the report, Tarkowski would be looking for a contract worth around £100,000 per week or £5 million-a-year. Everton would be in a position to meet those demands despite their financial woes as they will be getting rid of high-earners like Fabian Delph, Gylfi Sigurdsson and Cenk Tosun.
Newcastle United should not have any problems offering the terms Tarkowski desires either. However, Everton believe they have the upper hand in the race as the 29-year-old is Manchester-born and has spent his entire career in the north-west barring the two years at Brentford. And they are confident of landing the Burnley defender once his contract runs out later this month.
