Alan Hutton has been left wowed by some Everton transfer news that has emerged on James Tarkowski.

The Lowdown: Everton keen

As per Football Insider sources, the Goodison Park faithful are now keen on signing Tarkowski on a free transfer in the summer, as his contract at Burnley expires.

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A source from the Merseyside club has revealed that Kevin Thelwell is a 'big admirer' of the central defender, and has watched him play before this season.

The Latest: Hutton reacts

Speaking to Football Insider, former Premier League defender Hutton, who has also contributed for Sky Sports, has claimed that signing Tarkowski is a 'no-brainer', adding that he is a 'serious upgrade' on who Frank Lampard currently has in his squad:

“It’d be a good addition for Everton.

“It wasn’t long ago that we were talking about a £50million player in Tarkowski.

“To get him on a free, it’s an absolute no-brainer. He knows the league inside out, he’s battle-hardened, and he wants to fight for his life out on the pitch.

“Everton want to be in a better position next season if they can stay up, and I think he’d be a serious upgrade on their current options – the likes of Yerry Mina and Michael Keane.

“It’s an area where they’ve really struggled recently.”

The Verdict: Get it done

If the opportunity arises to sign a player of Tarkowski's quality and experience on a free transfer, the Toffees must simply get it done.

As Hutton suggests, he would be a big upgrade on what they already have, as he wins more aerial duels and averages more clearances and blocks per game than Ben Godfrey, Mason Holgate and Michael Keane in the Premier League (WhoScored).

Jamie Carragher previously accused the Blues of having a ‘Championship back four‘ after their 5-0 drubbing away at Tottenham Hotspur back in March, and Tarkowski, dubbed a ‘real leader‘ at the back by former top-flight striker Noel Whelan, would help in getting them more organised, and ultimately keep more clean sheets.

In other news, find out what 'massive' EFC claim this transfer insider has now dropped here!