“Should head elsewhere” – Everton cast eyes over experienced Burnley man: The verdict

Everton have set their sights on Burnley defender Ben Mee, as per a report from The Mirror.

The report states that Aston Villa are also in the running for the 32-year-old, with the experienced defender seeing his contract with the Clarets expire this month.

Mee has over 200 Premier League appearances to his name, adding 21 more to his tally during the 2021-22 campaign.

Everton will be hoping to push on and avoid a similar season to the one that has just played out, with Mee a player would bring defensive intelligence as well as his experience.

Three of our writers here at FLW have shared their thoughts regarding Everton’s interest in the 32-year-old…

Ben Wignall 

Ben Mee has proven over a number of years that he is a really solid Premier League centre-back, and perhaps if he was fit for the final few months of the 2021-22 season, Burnley would have stayed in the Premier League.

You cannot blame him for turning down a new deal at Turf Moor and wanting to have one last shot at the top flight, although he may not be a regular starter at some of the club linked – Everton included.

With Everton wanting James Tarkowski as well, there’s a real chance that their partnership could be re-kindled at Goodison Park, and there’s an argument to be had that Mee makes the players he plays alongside look better thanks to the selfless work he does.

In terms of Everton’s options, even if they add Tarkowski as well they have Ben Godfrey, Mason Holgate, Michael Keane, Yerry Mina and Jarrad Branthwaite – which is a lot of players for two slots.

If a couple of those are sold or loaned out – Mina and Holgate in particular – then Mee could be a good option, but I think there are clubs in the Premier League who he has more chance of playing for,