Everton’s deal to sign defender is ‘done’

Everton will confirm the signing of Burnley defender James Tarkowski when his contract expires at the end of June, according to reports.

The English centre-half is available on a free transfer this summer and reportedly underwent a medical at Everton last week.

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Tarkowski joined the Clarets from Brentford in 2016 and has been a crucial player for the Championship club over the years.

He made 219 appearances for Burnley and was always likely to leave on a free this summer, with the club’s relegation from the Premier League all but confirming his departure.

According to the Liverpool Echo, Tarkowski’s move to Everton is ‘done’ but won’t be announced ‘until the end of the month’ when he has officially left Burnley.

The defender has reportedly signed a four-year deal worth over £100,000 per week.

Unlike Burnley, the Toffees were able to avoid relegation and Frank Lampard is looking to make signings early on in the summer transfer window.

Elsewhere, Marcus Rashford has spoken on what he is expecting pre-season to be like at Manchester United under Erik ten Hag.

“At the beginning of pre-season, you want to get your fitness levels up,” Rashford told the club’s official website.

“[You want to] get back to what it’s like to play in the Premier League.

“When a team changes its identity and changes the purpose of the football, it’ll be quite obvious to see. I think you’ll be able to see it.

“We all enjoy getting away and spending that time together. Being away from home for so long, it’s [the team is] like your little family.

“It’s going to be a nice feeling. We’ve not been able to travel because of Covid, and it’s something that we’ve missed. It’s always a big part of our pre-season so it’s exciting to be able to go to those places again.”