Aston Villa 'open talks' with England international amid Everton transfer interest

Aston Villa are reportedly 'in talks' with central defender James Tarkowski over a free transfer switch to Villa Park.

The 29-year-old is out-of-contract at Burnley this summer and despite their relegation from the Premier League is reportedly attracting plenty of interest from around the division. Everton, Leicester City and West Ham United have all been previously credited with an interest in the defender.

Tarkowski arriving in the West Midlands would aid Steven Gerrard in covering for the absence of Ezri Konsa who is set to be sidelined for three months over the summer and into the next season. The defender will have done any hopes of doing just that no harm after impressing when Burnley drew 1-1 at Villa Park last week.

Reports from Sky Sports are suggesting that Villa have opened talks with Tarkowski, with the player free to talk to clubs as a soon-to-be free agent. It is again, though, reiterated that they will 'likely face competition from a host' other clubs across the Premier League.

Everton seem to be Gerrard's biggest rival in landing the defender. Reports elsewhere in the national media are touting figures from £90,000 to as high as £120,000 that Frank Lampard 's side are said to be willing to offer as a weekly wage to seal the signing.

Tarkowski is not sporting director Johan Lange 's only option though. An alternative target is believed to be Sven Botman, whose situation is being watched very closely despite appearing to be edging closer to signing for recently crowned Italian champions AC Milan.