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Burnley defender James Tarkowski 'undergoes Everton medical'

By Matthew Tranter, Reporter | 08 June 2022

Burnley defender Tarkowski 'undergoes Everton medical'

Burnley central defender James Tarkowski undergoes a medical with Everton ahead of a move on a free transfer this summer, according to a report.

Burnley central defender James Tarkowski has undergone a medical with Everton ahead of a move on a free transfer this summer, according to a report.

The 29-year-old's contract at Turf Moor expires on June 30, and after the Clarets suffered relegation from the Premier League on the final day of the 2021-22 campaign, it looked likely that Tarkowski would not be extending his deal.

The likes of Newcastle United and West Ham United have been linked with an interest in acquiring the defender's signature this summer, but it now appears that the Toffees have won the race, according to The Athletic.

The report suggests that Tarkowski underwent a medical in Merseyside on Wednesday ahead of signing a four-year contract with Frank Lampard's side.

Lampard was keen to strengthen his back line during the upcoming transfer window, after Everton leaked 66 Premier League goals last season - the fifth worst across the entire top flight.

After joining Burnley for around £3m from Brentford in February 2016, Tarkowski helped his side earn promotion to the Premier League immediately that season, before going on to become a regular in the back line in Lancashire.

Boasting two England caps to his name as well, Tarkowski will bring a wealth of experience with him to Goodison Park should the deal get over the line, with him making 194 top-flight appearances for Burnley under Sean Dyche and Mike Jackson.