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Everton expected to wrap up James Tarkowski transfer by end of the week - Sky Sports journalist
Everton could wrap up the signing of James Tarkowski on a free transfer in the coming days, according to Sky Sports journalist Mark McAdam.
Tarkowski, 29, will be out of contract at Burnley at the end of June with 90min reporting on Wednesday (8 June) that the centre-back is set for a medical with the Toffees.
Speaking on Sunday (12 June) on Sky Sports News, McAdam claimed that Everton are still discussing a deal for the soon-to-be-free-agent and that his move could be wrapped up by the end of the coming week.
“We spoke in the week about James Tarkowski and Everton,” said McAdam in a video clip on the Sky Sports Transfer Centre on Sunday (12 June, 11:35am).
“That deal is still being discussed at the moment, no movement on that one but the 29-year-old who left Burnley is available on a free transfer.
“We know Frank Lampard tried to sign him when he was at Chelsea.
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“That deal is potentially one that could happen this week.”
Deal close
Frank Lampard didn’t wait around to add to his squad in the limited time he had in the January transfer window and it doesn’t look as though he wants to waste much time this summer too.
Tarkowski’s deal at Burnley expires at the end of June and with them being relegated to the Championship, it’s almost certain that he won’t be staying put at Turf Moor.
Tarkowski is a top-class Premier League defender who was very unfortunate to be in the Burnley team that was relegated in the 2021/22 season.
Burnley’s issues certainly weren’t in their defence with Tarkowski one of the best in the division when faced with aerial balls into the box or having to cope when attackers have the ball at their feet in front of him.
He’s a strong marker, he reads the game well and, as mentioned, he’s a colossus in the air.
Everton’s ability to defend set-pieces should improve by a ridiculous amount with Tarkowski at the back.
It’ll be a big summer for the Blues because they’re going to be hamstrung, once again, by Financial Fair Play issues.
But this is a good free signing, despite what is likely to be a very expensive contract.
In other Everton news, the Blues could be forced into a big sale as Alisher Usmanov’s name is mentioned in a transfer report.
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