Former Premier League goalkeeper Paul Robinson has reacted to reported interest from Everton in Burnley defender James Tarkowski.
The lowdown: Multiple admirers
A recent report from i News claimed that the Toffees had joined top-flight rivals West Ham and Newcastle United in their desire to sign the Clarets centre-back.
The 29-year-old is set to become a free agent this summer (Transfermarkt), fuelling prominent interest from multiple suitors.
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After a 'source' at Goodison Park told Football Insider that Frank Lampard would be keen on bringing in Tarkowski, one of the defender's former team-mates has taken a closer look at the potential Everton swoop...
The latest: Tarkowski a 'top player'
Speaking to Football Insider, Robinson - who also works as a pundit for BBC Radio 5 Live - explained whether or not the Burnley centre-back would improve Lampard's ranks.
The 42-year-old said: “Tarky is a top player. Everton will be in the race to sign him.
“I played with him at Burnley and he is a great professional. He has the right mentality on and off the field. He is a very good player.
“Is he a top-level centre-half? Probably not. But he will certainly push on from Burnley into a side in the top half of the league. He is strong, good in the air and a lot better with his feet than people give him credit for.
“Looking at Everton’s current options he would be an improvement on what they’ve got. His leadership qualities would also help them in the dressing room.”
The verdict: Reinforcements needed at Everton
Having conceded 56 goals in the Premier League this season - more than 12 other teams - there can be little doubting that improved defensive options are required for the Everton squad. This is particularly true considering Yerry Mina's constant battle with injury, after the Colombian powerhouse was forced off once again against Leicester over the weekend.
Despite the struggles at relegation-threatened Burnley, Tarkowski has earned an impressive 7.17 Sofascore rating this term, averaging 6.9 successful duels, 5.3 clearances and 1.8 tackles per game. That would rank him first for clearances and joint-fifth for tackles among the current Everton squad.
Heralded by his former boss Sean Dyche as an 'outstanding' operator, it's no injustice to suggest that the twice-capped England international is something of a throwback to the era of the no-nonsense defender, and he would be a superb addition to Lampard's options based on the aforementioned statistics.
In other news, find out what ‘serious upgrade’ Everton are now eyeing