Everton optimistic about signing £50,000 per week man despite five club battle
Everton manager Frank Lampard and Director of football Kevin Thelwell are working hard to upgrade the squad this summer. James Tarkowski is certainly a top transfer target for Everton as they aim to strengthen their central defence.
Last season, Everton ended up conceding 66 goals in 38 Premier League games, fifth worst record in the league. The constant chopping and changing due to unreliable options meant that the central defence never got into the desired rhythm which made life extremely difficult for others around them.
Yerry Mina was unavailable for more than half of the season suffering hamstring and thigh injury. The Colombian failed to register even 20 appearances in a season for a second time in his four year career at Merseyside. Michael Keane also struggled to rack up consistent performances. The volatility in form didn’t do any favours as Lampard was forced to change centre back pairing almost every other game.
The Toffees have been looking at a number of centre backs or at least that’s what the newspapers suggest. Kim Min-jae, Levi Colwill and Kristoffer Ajer have been linked previously but Tarkowski seems to be the hot favourite.
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Everton are optimistic about securing James Tarkowski on a free transfer
The Burnley defender will depart from Turf Moor as a free agent after his contract expires this summer. Everton want to sign him on a free transfer and have reportedly even made a £90,000 per week offer.
The competition for Tarkowski is high. At one point, there were five clubs in the running for the 29 year old. Everton would have had to battle Aston Villa, West Ham United, Fulham and Newcastle United. However, Villa’s acquisition of Diego Carlos saw them cool their interest in the Burnley man.
West Ham are also close to signing Moroccan centre back Nayef Aguerd from Stade Rennais which leaves the Toffees and Newcastle as favourites in the chase. According to The Times, Everton are confident of bringing Tarkowski to Goodison Park on a free transfer. In the eyes of Lampard and Thelwell, Tarkowski is seen as a key signing.
The Englishman earned £50,000 per week at Burnley and if Everton does end up offering a hefty contract of £90,000, this deal will be seen as an economical deal because the Toffees will not be paying a penny to Burnley.
The Royal Blues need reinforcements at the back and signing Tarkowski will be the first step of the major squad overhaul planned this summer.
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