Steven Gerrard target makes transfer decision amid Aston Villa and Everton interest

Everton are reportedly "confident" of securing the free transfer of James Tarkowski after Aston Villa seemingly cooled their interest in the player recently.

Tarkowski, 29, suffered relegation with Burnley to the Championship this season but is set to depart the club at the end of his contract, which expires this summer. The defender had stalled negotiations over a new deal throughout the season to assess the future of the club but now looks set to leave Turf Moor with a number of clubs in the top flight credited with an interest.

Reports from Sky Sports initially suggested that Villa had opened talks with Tarkowski. However they have since reportedly cooled their interest in the centre-back this week, as Villa boss Steven Gerrard looks set to prioritise a left-sided defender to bolster the options within his defence.

The Daily Mail are now claiming Everton are "confident" of securing Tarkowski once the player returns from holiday, as he eyes a return to Gareth Southgate's England squad ahead of the 2022 Qatar World Cup.

Everton and Villa were leading the race to secure the services of the free agent but with Villa apparently moving on to other targets, a move to Goodison Park now looks likely.