Expert names potential James Tarkowski partner after Everton transfer reveal - 'I played with him'
Paul Robinson suspects James Tarkowski and Michael Keane will partner each other in the heart of the Everton defence next season.
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, the former teammate of the two centre-halves suggested Frank Lampard will look to utilise the pair together once he has seen them in training.
On 2 July, Everton announced the arrival of James Tarkowski on a four-year contract.
The 29-year-old joins on a free transfer following the expiration of his contract at Burnley, where he spent six years.
He joins Yerry Mina, Mason Holgate, Ben Godfrey, Jarrad Branthwaite and former Clarets teammate Michael Keane in the centre-back ranks at Goodison Park.
As revealed by Football Insider (9 June), the Toffees could allow one of their senior centre-halves to leave after the signing of Tarkowski.
Robinson believes Lampard will choose to keep Keane in his squad though because of his pre-existing relationship with Tarkowski.
"I played with both Keano and Tarky, I played with Keano at Blackburn and Tarky at Burnley," he told Football Insider.
"I think they are a partnership that could play well together. They are two players that know each other very well.
"You would think that Tarkowski has been brought in to take Michael Keane's place. However, I wouldn't be surprised if the pair of them play together next season once Frank has seen them in training.
"I don't think it is the end of Keano."