Everton parted with £30m to sign Michael Keane from Burnley last summer and should return to recruit James Tarkowski.
Everton have struggled finding a coherent centre-back pairing under both Ronald Koeman and Sam Allardyce this season.
The Toffees have experimented with Michael Keane, Phil Jagielka, Ashley Williams, Mason Holgate and Eliaquim Mangala at the heart of their defence, with mostly poor results.
Michael Keane bedded in terribly under Koeman following his £30 million switch from Burnley, however Allardyce appears to have entrusted him with a starting berth.
In fairness to the former England boss, Keane’s performances have improved under his tutelage – despite several weak partners.
While Mason Holgate fared reasonably well, his inexperience has seen him miss out for older teammates. He may well see more opportunities in the future, but the pressure is unnecessarily high for a 21-year-old.
Former Swansea City captain Ashley Williams has declined significantly this term. At 33 years of age, Williams looks unlikely and unable to remain a permanent starter for a top half Premier League club.
The same applies to club captain Phil Jagielka, now 35-years-old and looking every bit of it. Jagielka had been linked with a return to Championship club Sheffield United last summer and that switch would be understandable now.
Lastly, Everton recruited Eliaquim Mangala on loan in January but after a disastrous display at Arsenal, the Frenchman picked up an injury ruling him out for the season.
If Everton are to improve upon this season’s disasters, they must bolster the Premier League’s fifth worst defence.
Realistically, Allardyce should move to sign 25-year-old England draftee James Tarkowski from Burnley.
Tarkowski has excelled for Sean Dyche since replacing Michael Keane and his strong points can certainly compliment Keane’s shortcomings.
As per WhoScored.com, Tarkowski currently tops the divisional rankings for most blocks per game, places third for clearances per game and completes more tackles per game than any other Everton centre-back.
The Manchester-born star also has 11 clean sheets to his name this term, toppling Everton’s total tally of 10 across all competitions.
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