Everton are reportedly leading the chase to sign Burnley central defender Ben Mee this summer, according to The Mirror.
The lowdown: Top class pedigree
A product of the Manchester City youth system, Mee spent a short period of time on loan at Leicester City before moving to Burnley, where he became a mainstay in the heart of the defence.
The 32-year-old former England Under 21 international has made 376 appearances for the Lancashire club but couldn't prevent relegation from the Premier League last term.
Set to become a free agent at the end of June (Transfermarkt), Everton could be now readying a move for Mee...
The latest: Mirror puts Everton in pole
As per The Mirror, Everton and Aston Villa are the 'frontrunners' to sign the experienced star.
It's claimed that Burnley have offered Mee a new deal to stay but the Englishman had 'put off making a decision' for the time being.
However, now it's stated that the man praised for an 'outstanding' display against Man City is now 'reluctantly ready to quit' Turf Moor in search of continued top-flight action.
The verdict: Double swoop?
Already heavily linked with a move for Burnley centre-back partner and fellow soon to be free agent James Tarkowski, Toffees boss Frank Lampard and Director of Football Kevin Thelwell could be poised to strengthen the defensive department at Goodison Park twice over without spending a penny in transfer fees.
Regardless of Mee's advancing years, the imposing star scored three times in 24 appearances across all competitions last season and remains an impressive Premier League operator, as proven by a 7.07 Sofascore rating including coming out on top of 5.0 duels and making a monstrous 4.4 clearances on average per game.
After conceding 66 goals in the league in 2021/22 - 11 more than relegated Burnley - adding Mee to the ranks and perhaps allowing the no-nonsense defender to work alongside Michael Keane having obtained invaluable coaching experience would be a no-brainer for the Blues.
In other news: Everton: Oleksandr Zinchenko touted for Toffees move