Everton look like they could land James Tarkowski on a deal from Burnley this summer, with the Clarets having been relegated to the second tier - and Noel Whelan has told Football Insider that he is 'surprised' that he would pick the Toffees over Aston Villa.

The player has been excellent during his and his club's stint in the Premier League. Having made over 200 Burnley appearances since his move to the side - and with the vast majority coming in the top flight - he has proven to be a superb defender at the highest level.

With the Clarets now dropping into the Championship then, it comes as no surprise to see teams from higher up the pyramid now keen to keep him in the Premier League.

Aston Villa and Everton are both believed to be eager to snap him up but various reports have emerged saying that it is Frank Lampard's team that are now in the driving seat to sign him and that Villa aren't that interested any more.

Either way, it looks like the Burnley man will be on his way out of the exit door this summer - but Noel Whelan has admitted to Football Insider that he is surprised to see the player not head to Villa Park and instead potentially join up with Everton in the Premier League instead.

Speaking about the player, Whelan said: "Look at Aston Villa with the signings they’ve made last season and the beginning of this year.

"That looks like a really mouthwatering prospect, doesn’t it, with the team Villa are assembling? It does surprise me a little bit.

"There’s obviously something there that’s encouraging him to go towards the Toffees and that rebuilding process under Frank Lampard."

Tarkowski would no doubt be a shrewd addition to any side in the Premier League during this offseason - and it certainly appears as though a move over to Goodison Park could be the most likely outcome for the player.

The Verdict

James Tarkowski can and likely will still be playing in the top tier of English football when the next season begins - and it looks to be with Everton too.

Villa do seem to be the more appealing prospect if the player had a choice and Whelan is right in that notion - Steven Gerrard has his side pushing for the top half of the table, whereas Everton only just managed to stay in the Premier League by the skin of their teeth last time out.

The player would certainly boost both backlines but it does appear as though the Toffees will be the side to win the race for his signature. Frank Lampard needs some extra options at the back to shore up his defence and ensure that they can kick on and head up the top flight table next season.

Tarkowski could cost very little and would no doubt jump at the chance to be back in the Premier League too - so it seems only a matter of when and not if for a deal to happen this summer window.