Everton, Tarkowski deal to spark West Ham approach for £30m star, with another told time is up

An Everton swoop for James Tarkowski could give West Ham the perfect opening to sign Michael Keane, while a second report claimed another Everton exit is on the way.

Tarkowski, 29, has long been linked with a move up the league to one of the mid-table sides. The 29-year-old will see his Burnley contract expire on June 30 and by all accounts, his future lays away from Turf Moor following the Clarets’ relegation.

Indeed, the Guardian claimed the centre-half has already agreed personal terms over a switch to Everton. Frank Lampard is keen to strengthen his options at the back after Everton shipped 66 goals in the league last term.

But according to Football Insider, Tarkowski’s arrival could coincide with a requisite exit from Lampard’s current options.

They state Tarkowski’s signing will facilitate the exit of one of Ben Godfrey, Yerry Mina, Mason Holgate or Michael Keane. Per the outlet, Keane is a man in demand with West Ham sizing up a swoop.

David Moyes had also been interested in bringing Tarkowski on board. The Scot is targeting an experienced defender with Premier League experience and the Hammers are said to have enquired about Keane once it became apparent Tarkowski was heading to Goodison Park.

At 29, Keane – who was a £25m signing from Burnley that could rise to £30m – fits the profile of player Moyes desires to a tee.

However, how much he’d cost in the present day isn’t indicated in the piece. His current deal on Merseyside doesn’t expire until 2025, meaning Everton are in a strong bargaining position.

A second report from Football Insider claims the Everton exits might not stop at just Keane.

Andre Gomes told time is up

Midfielder Andre Gomes has reportedly been told he is free to find a new club with Everton open to offers this summer.

The 28-year-old hardly featured since Lampard took charge, featuring in just three of Everton’s last 15 league matches despite being available for selection.

One of Richarlison or Dominic Calvert-Lewin may also make way as Lampard gets to work on a complete squad overhaul.

Though selling one of the strikers would be with a view to generating funds for new arrivals, rather than Lampard not fancying the player.

Michael Keane a good fit for West Ham?

Moyes can already call upon four reliable centre-halves in the form of Kurt Zouma, Craig Dawson, Angelo Ogbonna and Issa Diop.

However, injuries ravaged the backline last season and the exertions of a European campaign began to tell as the season wore on.

West Ham have another Europa League adventure to look forward to next season. As such, it comes as no surprise to see West Ham eyeing up depth in such a crucial position.

Doubts persist as to whether Keane is of the standard Moyes requires to take West Ham to the next level. The 29-year-old has always had an error in his game, though Moyes’ coaching may be able to eradicate that troublesome trait.