Sky Sports pundit Kevin Campbell is in full support of Everton’s pursuit of Burnley defender James Tarkowski.
The 29-year-old is a wanted man this summer, with Newcastle United and Aston Villa among a number of clubs recently being linked with his signature.
This is not surprising given that the Clarets have just been relegated from the Premier League and that his contract at Turf Moor is expiring soon.
The Telegraph reporter Matt Law also reported last month that the Toffees are now frontrunners for the defender’s signature, stating that the player would be a “fantastic signing” for Frank Lampard’s men and that they are at the “front of the queue” to sign him.
Sky Sports pundit and former Arsenal striker Campbell believes that the Manchester-born centre-back ticks all the boxes in terms of the kind of man you want in your backline.
Speaking to Goodison News, he said: “I like the look of Tarkowski. I like someone who’s just going to be there, do their job. Nothing fancy, just be unassuming and do his job.
“Time’s run out, he’s out of contract at Burnley so he can go to Everton and Everton can sign a player on a free.
“Somebody like him I think will be golden because he’s hardly ever injured and he’s somebody you can rely on.
“He just does his job. He’s a proper defender.”
TIF Thoughts on Tarkowski to Everton…
To get a player of Tarkowski’s experience and quality on a Bosman deal is surely a no-brainer for the Merseyside club.
Everton’s defensive woes were a key element in their fight against relegation last season and Frank Lampard will surely be keen to add experience and quality at the back if his side are to steer well clear of a relegation fight next season.
The Toffees conceded 66 goals in the top flight, which was the fifth-worst of any side, while their top defensive performer according to WhoScored was Lucas Digne, despite the Frenchman leaving for Villa in January.
£19.8m-rated Tarkowski offers a wealth of experience, having made 194 Premier League appearances in his career thus far, in which he has contributed seven goals and five assists.
Once dubbed “outstanding” by former Clarets boss Sean Dyche and a “real leader” at the back by former Premier League striker Noel Whelan, the 29-year-old could be the organiser that’s needed to sort out the Toffees’ defensive issues.