Everton boss Sam Allardyce once claimed James Tomkins was as good as Phil Jagielka; now wants him at Goodison Park

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Everton are said to be eyeing up a deal for Crystal Palace defender James Tomkins.

Back in 2015, Everton boss Sam Allardyce stated to the Daily Express that James Tomkins was as good as Phil Jagielka, and now he wants the Crystal Palace centre-back at Goodison Park.

Allardyce worked with Tomkins at Palace, earlier in their respective careers, and was a big admirer of the defender.

According to The Sun, Everton are now eyeing up a £20 million move for Tomkins.

And Allardyce’s past comments about the 28-year-old make for very interesting reading now.

“Roy [Hodgson, who was then England boss] should look at James,” Allardyce said. “He has really matured and is playing very well and consistently.

“People can scoff all they want about me saying that but James has been playing consistently well for us.

“When I look at opponents like Phil Jagielka and Gary Cahill, I don’t see a huge amount of difference when I watch them playing against each other.”

Tomkins could now become Jagielka’s replacement in Everton’s first-team, if he does join up with Allardyce.

Jagielka has only been given a limited amount of game time this season, with his age catching up with him.

Jagielka is now 35, and he has only made 12 Premier League appearances to date this term.

Tomkins, meanwhile, has been a key part of Palace’s team this term, and could help to bolster Everton’s defensive line, if he was to move to Merseyside.