James Tarkowski in demand as Everton, Leicester join Newcastle in defender race

Everton and Leicester City are reportedly keen to sign defender James Tarkowski after Burnley suffered relegation to the Championship.

The Clarets needed to match Leeds United’s result on the final day of the season but lost 2-1 to Newcastle United. And with the Whites downing Brentford 2-1, the Turf Moor outfit’s six-year stint in the Premier League came to an end. It is inevitable that a number of the club’s stars will leave in the off-season, with Tarkowski among them.

The Manchester-born stopper has been one of the most consistent players for the club since joining in February 2016. Having established himself as a first-team star, he has made 175 league starts over the past five years.

A number of clubs have been linked with the man capped twice by England. The Toffees were mentioned in connection with the centre-back in April.

But links to Newcastle have been doing the rounds for some months. And West Ham have also been credited with an interest in the former Brentford man.

However, 90min are reporting that Everton and Leicester now lead the way for his signature. And, with Tarkowski out of contract this summer, it seems inevitable that he has kicked his last ball for the north-west outfit.

Having secured their Premier League future, the Toffees will look to strengthen in the off-season. Frank Lampard will want to ensure the Goodison Park faithful do not have to go through the turmoil of another relegation battle.

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