Everton source: Thelwell now keen to sign 'real leader' after watching him; he's a big admirer

Kevin Thelwell is reportedly now keen to sign James Tarkowski for Everton in the summer.

The 29-year-old will be out of contract at Burnley in the summer, with no signs of a renewal at the moment.

He will be able to leave Turf Moor on a free transfer, and given that his market value stands at £19.8m, whoever is able to sign him will be getting themselves a bargain.

As per Football Insider, a source from Goodison Park has revealed that Everton director of football Thelwell is a ‘big admirer’ of Tarkowski, having watched him play in the Clarets’ 1-0 win at home to Wolves last weekend.

However, a deal to sign the 29-year-old will depend on whether the Merseyside club can avoid relegation from the Premier League.

It is surely a no-brainer for the Toffees to snap up Tarkowski for free, providing that they can stay up, of course.

Dubbed a ‘real leader‘ by former Premier League striker Noel Whelan, the Englishman could be the organiser that Everton need in what Jamie Carragher described as a ‘Championship back four‘ after their embarrassing 5-0 thumping at Tottenham in March.

The Burnley colossus has plenty of experience of playing in the English top flight, and adding his leadership qualities could help Frank Lampard’s team to get back to where they need to be.

In other news, this big Everton injury update has now emerged

Source