Burnley are preparing for their return to Championship football following their six-year-long spell in England's top flight. 

One player that the Clarets are likely to now be without for their second-tier campaign is defender James Tarkowski, who is set for a medical at Everton today, as per a report from Football Insider. 

The report states that the experienced defender has agreed personal terms with the Merseyside club, dealing a blow to Newcastle United and West Ham United who were also in pursuit. 

The 29-year-old added 35 more Premier League appearances to his tally last season, meaning he is now just six games shy of reaching the 200 mark. 

 

 

Possessing a contract that expires at the end of this month, the Lancashire club expected Tarkowski to depart, whilst there is reportedly a similar feeling with Ben Mee. 

The verdict 

It is no shock that Tarkowski is set to be playing his football in the Premier League next season, and whilst it was expected, it is still a blow for Burnley.

This blow will be made even more disappointing if Mee is to depart too, with the 32-year-old working excellently next to Tarkowski over the years.

Everton will be a lot more ambitious next season under Frank Lampard, with this signing, if all goes through, a massive boost to the Toffees' defence.

Already likely to be scanning the defensive markets, if Mee is to depart then there will be an immediate need to bring defensive cover and competition in at Turf Moor before the new season commences.