Everton are looking to join the race for Burnley defender James Tarkowski this summer as Frank Lampard targets more leadership.
That’s according to a report from iNews, who claim that Lampard thinks Everton need more leaders in their squad.
Tarkowski is seen as a player who can provide what Everton lack in Lampard’s eyes, and he may be seen as a bargain.
The 29-year-old is out of contract at Burnley this summer and has shown no intention of extending his stay at Turf Moor.
Premier League clubs will understandably be queuing up to try and sign Tarkowski on a free transfer.
Newcastle United were thought to be leading the race in January but weren’t able to push through a deal.
West Ham have wanted Tarkowski for going on two years now and are positioning themselves for a free transfer move according to 90Min.
Everton are now joining the race though and will hope that Manchester-born Tarkowski fancies staying around the North West.
A proven Premier League defender with almost 200 top-flight appearances under his belt, Tarkowski could help tighten up Everton’s back line.
That’s what Everton thought when they signed another Burnley defender, Michael Keane, back in the summer of 2017 but that hasn’t quite worked out.
Hailed as a ‘top player’ by Sean Dyche, Tarkowski certainly has the defensive leadership qualities that Lampard is seeking.
Sadly for Lampard though, it feels a little unlikely that Everton will be able to win this race.
The Toffees are in a pretty dire state on and off the field, potentially unable to sell Tarkowski that this is the right move for him now.
Newcastle have cash to splash and West Ham are into the Europa League semi-finals; both seem more attractive than Everton as things stand.
Everton might as well try and secure Tarkowski, but a deal is hard to imagine.
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