---
title: "Everton: Toffees favourites to sign James Tarkowski"
canonical: "https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/burnley-transfer-news-tarkowski-premier-league/"
type: "post"
language: "en-GB"
author: "Adam Clancy"
section: "Everton News"
published: "2022-05-28T11:05:15Z"
modified: "2022-05-28T11:05:15Z"
---

# Everton: Toffees favourites to sign James Tarkowski

**[Everton](https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/everton-fc-news/) are reportedly now favourites to sign James Tarkowski on a free transfer this summer.**

### The Lowdown: Out of contract

Tarkowski is [out of contract](https://www.transfermarkt.co.uk/james-tarkowski/profil/spieler/173504) this summer, meaning that he has the option to leave Burnley as a free agent.

[Newcastle news!](https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/web-stories/newcastle-news-6/)

Following the Clarets’ relegation from the Premier League down to the Championship, it is now highly unlikely that he will stay, giving other clubs a chance to pounce on an experienced top-flight defender for no initial transfer cost.

### The Latest: Favourites

Writing in his latest piece for [The Daily Telegraph](https://www.telegraph.co.uk/football/2022/05/27/aston-villa-target-luis-suarez-steven-gerrard-revolution-gathers/?utm_content=football&utm_medium=Social&utm_campaign=Echobox&utm_source=Twitter#Echobox=1653646889), reliable journalist Jason Burt has revealed that the Goodison Park faithful have now moved ahead in the race to sign Tarkowski.

\[freshpress-poll id=”393668″\]

Aston Villa had shown an interest in him, but a deal is now unlikely to happen, given that they have signed Sevilla central defender Diego Carlos.

### The Verdict: No-brainer

It is a no-brainer for the Merseyside club to pick up Tarkowski on a free.

\[freshpress-quiz id=”389224″\]

Once described as an ‘[outstanding](https://www.lancashiretelegraph.co.uk/sport/15259045.sean-dyche-hails-outstanding-james-tarkowski-battle-places-burnley-side-hots/)‘ player by his former manager Sean Dyche, and a ‘[real leader](https://www.footballinsider247.com/pundit-wowed-as-west-ham-could-entice-burnley-with-12m-tarkowski-part-exchange-offer/)‘ at the back by former top-flight striker Noel Whelan, the 29-year-old would certainly help with their defensive issues, having conceded no fewer than [66](https://www.premierleague.com/tables) times in the division this season, the fifth-most of any side.

Nonetheless, he has that added Premier League experience and know-how that should ensure that he settles in very quickly at the Toffees.

[***In other news, find out what ‘big’ Blues player ‘boost’ has now emerged here!***](https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/everton-fc-news/scotland-injury-news-ukraine-patterson-premier-league/)