James Tarkowski could snub Everton offer to join rivals after source’s update- pundit
Alex McLeish has suggested Burnley defender James Tarkowski could snub a move to Everton to join a Premier League rival this summer.
The former Scotland manager, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, admitted the Toffees’ financial issues could see the 29-year-old move elsewhere.
An Everton source told Football Insider on Monday (23 May) that the club have offered Tarkowski a £120,000-a-week contract to join when his deal at Turf Moor expires this summer.
Newcastle United have made the defender a top target, while West Ham are long-term admirers.
Everton are under scrutiny after posting major financial losses in recent years, with the club confirming in March they are working with the Premier League regarding profitability and sustainability regulations.
McLeish admitted the financial uncertainty is “hanging over them like a dark cloud” and might see Tarkowski rebuff their advances.
McLeish told Football Insider’s Russell Edge: “I think he’s at a very good level. Okay, he’s been in a relegation team which is never great for your CV.
“But at the same time, his performances have been pretty consistent over the years. He’s a good catch for somebody. Aston Villa, I think, have also been linked.
“Frank Lampard will certainly be trying to do some business whether there are sanctions or not. The financial fair play thing seems to be hanging over them like a dark cloud.
“Guys will think Lampard is a good catch and think Everton will have a resurgence now they managed to stay up.
“With this negative financial fact that they’ve got to solve at the moment, there’s a possibility Tarkowski may choose somewhere else. That will make it a wee bit harder.”
In other news, Football Insider can reveal Everton and Crystal Palace are plotting moves for Ederson Silva.