Everton have already lost two central defenders this summer – Ashley Williams & Phil Jagielka – and could lose Matthew Pennington before the new season starts too. That would leave Marco Silva with only three centre-backs in the first-team (Yerry Mina, Michael Keane, Mason Holgate), so at least one new face is expected to be brought in.
If Everton want to sign a homegrown player with Premier League experience, they should consider a move for James Tarkowski. The 26-year-old impressed for Burnley last season and may be available this summer. Tarkowski has interest from Wolverhampton Wanderers and Leicester City, but the Clarets are keen to keep him for the long-term.
The £50k-per-week defender made 35 Premier League appearances last season, scoring and creating four goals. Tarkowski averaged 32 passes-per-game with 70% accuracy, won 169 aerial duels (68%), blocked 76 crosses/passes/shots, made 236 clearances and averaged a tackle (71) or interception (42) every 27 minutes.
The England international helped Burnley keep seven clean sheets in the league and conceded one or less goals on 16 occasions. He could improve the Everton defence, but Tarkowski won’t come cheap. Burnley have no desire to sell the 26-year-old, so his valuation is likely to skyrocket.