Everton hope to wrap up a deal for defender James Tarkowski despite rival interest from Premier League clubs.
i revealed back in April that the Burnley centre-back was wanted by Frank Lampard as he looked to rebuild a defence that was stretched to the limit during last season’s relegation fight. He was identified because he brings experience, can fit into Lampard’s preferred system and, as a free agent, fits in the parameters of Everton’s budget.
Aston Villa, Newcastle and Leeds have also monitored the player’s availability but Everton now believe they will clinch a deal for Tarkowski, with Lampard having promised him a platform to regain his England place before the winter World Cup that starts in November.
The Toffees have been in contact with the 29-year-old over recent weeks and have made a long-term contract offer. But for Tarkowski it has been about the football project and the promise of playing regularly in the Premier League in a World Cup year that has been the priority.
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Tarkowksi is currently on holiday but Everton hope to seal their first big deal of the close season when he returns. Lampard is targeting a substantial rebuild but there may have to be departures to fund that.
The club have created the financial wriggle room to bring in Tarkowski with the departures of big earners Fabian Delph, Cenk Tosun and Gylfi Sigurdsson, who have provided some freedom to wheel and deal.
Everton continue to work with the Premier League to satisfy Financial Fair Play (FFP) requirements.
The club are also interested in Christian Eriksen but Brentford are front runners to retain the services of the Denmark midfielder, whose short-term deal in west London has now expired. Tottenham are weighing up a move for Eriksen after making an enquiry with his representatives.
Tarkowski’s departure was expected but will not be the only outgoing at Turf Moor as the club look to rebuild in the Championship after a bruising relegation.
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Burnley hope to kick-start a new era next week by finally unveiling former Anderlecht boss Vincent Kompany as their new manager. He is the club’s number one target and the appointment of Daniel Farke by Borussia Monchengladbach narrows Kompany’s options.
The Clarets will require a substantial reboot after relegation with defender Ben Mee also expected to leave. Sales are inevitable and the club have not commented on a £65million loan, the “substantial amount” of which will need to be repaid now the club have been relegated.
Initial discussions with Kompany have also included the possibility of utilising the link with former club Manchester City to bring in promising young players on loan. Defender Taylor Harwood-Bellis and forward Cole Palmer would be priority targets, although the latter is expected to get minutes in Pep Guardiola’s plans next season.
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