Everton are plotting a move for Burnley centre-back James Tarkowski as Frank Lampard looks to strengthen his defence ahead of next season.
What’s the word?
According to 90min, Everton and Leicester City have joined the chase for the Burnley defender following their Premier League relegation.
The 29-year-old is out of contract this summer and will surely remain in the top flight following the events of Sunday which confirmed Burnley’s exit after seven years.
Everton could face a mighty battle to secure his signature, with the events that happened this season, the Englishman may fancy a side that has a greater chance of European football.
Tarkowski can be an upgrade on Michael Keane
Everton conceded 66 goals in the league this season, the fifth-worst total and this is something both Farhad Moshiri and Lampard urgently needs to address if they don’t want a repeat of this season’s relegation battle next year.
By signing Tarkowski, they could get an immediate upgrade on fellow Englishman Keane. The Burnley defender has made and won more tackles (71 and 42) compared to Keane (49 and 35), whilst also applying more pressures (261 to 228).
Should Everton sign Tarkowski?
With almost double the numbers of blocks (92 to 51) and more interceptions (72 to 62) it’s clear to see why the 29-year-old would be a better option than Keane.
Keane has a WhoScored average rating of 6.72 and wins on average, three aerials per match. Tarkowski on the other hand is ranked first in the Burnley squad on the average rating (6.97) and wins a mammoth 4.4 aerials per match.
The stats prove that on a free transfer, Tarkowski would represent a wonderful piece of business, especially with Everton’s defensive woes this season.
He has been described as a “rock” by Alex James in the past and if he does want a move to Goodison, he could well ask for a pay rise on his current £70k-per-week deal he has at the moment.
