Former Everton boss interested in signing £20 million Everton ace

James Tarkowski to Everton is almost a done deal with a medical already taken place. Everton’s shaky defence will get a robust and an astute presence in Tarkowski who has the ability to lead the backline. The Toffees are also working on offloading central defenders to avoid a traffic jam when it comes to selection. This could pave the way to the exit for Michael Keane or Yerry Mina.

With Tarkowski joining, the Toffees’ central defence will consist of him, Keane, Mina, Mason Holgate, Ben Godfrey and Jarrad Branthwaite. Perhaps, a loan move for Branthwaite is on the cards but still having five centre backs means not everyone will get enough game time. For long, Mina has struggled to put aside his fitness issues and cashing in on him makes sense given that he has one year left on his current deal and is one of the highest earners at the club.

Even Keane could be shown the exit door as he has failed to find consistency. Tarkowski is much more defensively sound and aerially dominant. Godfrey should be one of the first choices for Lampard and Tarkowski will be his partner in a back four. Holgate’s resurgence last season has made him a reliable backup choice.

One of the centre backs will leave. The Toffees do need to generate funds in order to make more signings and selling players is the only way. The Toffees have already put Mina on the market. Keane is also attracting some interest.

Everton defender Michael Keane on West Ham radar

According to Football Insider, West Ham United have shown interest in signing Keane from Everton. David Moyes is looking to raid his former club as the Hammers aim to strengthen their defence.

West Ham were locked in the battle for Tarkowski but with Everton emerging as winners in the chase, Moyes’ side is now ready to turn their attention to Everton defender Keane who could soon be displaced from the lineup upon Tarkowski’s arrival.

West Ham manager Moyes has kept Keane high on his shortlist and admires the Englishman. He thinks that the 29 year old is a mix of experience and solidity and can easily fit into Hammers’ backline next season.

The 29 year old centre back is valued at £19.8 million by the Transfermarkt. With his contract running till 2025, the Toffees will be hoping to get the maximum amount possible from Keane’s sale.

Will Michael Keane leave the club this summer?