According to Sky Sports, Leeds and Newcastle target James Tarkowski has now agreed a four-year contract with Everton.
What’s the story?
Well, some outlets claimed that Frank Lampard was confident of beating Jesse Marsch and Eddie Howe to the England international, and it seems he was right.
Tarkowski has already undergone a medical with the Toffees, and now, the 29-year-old appears to have agreed personal terms with Everton.
The Manchester-born defender was a free agent after his contract with Burnley expired, and his time at Turf Moor unfortunately ended with relegation to the Championship.
Tarkowski made 37 appearances in all competitions for the Clarets last season, but despite his best efforts, the Clarets just fell short of Premier League survival.
Only four teams conceded more goals than Everton in the Premier League last term, as the Toffees shipped 66 goals in 38 games.
Lampard clearly recognises his side’s shortcomings at the back, hence the move for Tarkowski.
James Tarkowski is just what Everton need
In our view, Tarkowski could be a transformative signing for Everton.
The likes of Michael Keane, Yerry Mina and Mason Holgate have become laughing stocks at Goodison Park, struggling to defend properly under both Rafa Benitez as well as Lampard.
Therefore, a commanding leader is needed, and that’s just exactly Tarkowski is.
He is someone likely to grab the situation by the scruff of the neck, and bellow orders at his fellow defenders in an attempt to put things right at Goodison Park, something we haven’t seen enough of in recent times.
Despite suffering relegation, Tarkowski was actually part of the 11th-best backline in the Premier League last season, as Leicester, Aston Villa and even Manchester United conceded more goals than Burnley.
In our view, this is a brilliant signing by Lampard, and the deal should help Everton significantly.
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