Multiple Everton exits on the cards after James Tarkowski update – pundit
Alan Hutton has suggested Everton need to “get a few off the books” to be able to afford a lucrative contract for James Tarkowski.
The former Scotland defender, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, insisted the 29-year-old would be a “great signing” but raised fears over the Toffees’ financial “problems”.
As revealed by Football Insider on Monday (23 May), Everton have offered Tarkowski £120,000-a-week to join on a free transfer when his contract at Burnley expires.
However, the Toffees are under scrutiny financially after posting huge losses in recent years.
The club confirmed they are working with the Premier League regarding profitability and sustainability regulations.
As such, Hutton suggested Everton may need to offload more than just their own out-of-contract players to fund new deals.
Hutton told Football Insider’s Russell Edge: “I think he’d be a great signing. You think of the difficulties they’ve had this season, especially defensively.
“But there are problems there, financial fair play, those sorts of issues. Can they afford to get somebody in on that sort of money.
“I know there are people out of contract as well, the likes of Delph, Tosun, these guys are at the back end. It’ll be interesting to see exactly how much they can spend.
“A guy like that on a free transfer? It’s worth giving that money. This guy was getting quoted at £50million not too long ago. To get him on a free, that wage is high but probably within their limit if they can get a few off the books.”
As reported by the Daily Mail in 2020, Tarkowski had a £50million release clause in his Burnley contract.
David Moyes confirmed to Sky Sports that summer that West Ham tabled bids but fell short of the Clarets’ demands.
In other news, Football Insider can reveal Everton want to sign Italy-based midfielder.