Everton complete Tarkowski transfer as Frank Lampard lands first summer signing

Everton have completed their first signing of the summer having secured the arrival of James Tarkowski.

The England defender was a free agent having seen his Burnley contract expire at the end of last season. Speculation linked him with a move to Goodison Park - with current boss Frank Lampard keen to bolster his defence - and the ex-Chelsea man has finally got his man.

Tarkwoski, 29, has penned a four-year contract on Merseyside and has claimed the number 2 shirt previously held by Jonjoe Kenny. He becomes the first arrival at the club this summer, with the Toffees finally kicking off their summer business following the sale of Brazilian forward Richarlison to Tottenham.

After his switch to Everton was confirmed, Tarksowski expressed his delight at signing for the club and signalled his ambition to be a success. Speaking to the Toffees' official website, he said: "I'm excited to have joined Everton. It's a massive club. I'm really looking forward to the years ahead and I'm thankful for the opportunity that I've been given.

"Speaking to the manager, it was very important to see what he wants from his players and his team, what he saw in me and why he wanted to sign me. Speaking to [Director of Football] Kevin Thelwell was also a factor. They both spoke about the ambition here which was really important for me.

"I'm an ambitious person, I want to achieve, I want to win things and I've come here to be successful.

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"And then there are the Everton fans. The support they gave the team last season was incredible. You saw just how big the fanbase is. Despite a difficult season, Everton fans got behind their team more than ever.

"I think they are a massive factor about this club. Hopefully, successful times are ahead and, with the talent we have in the squad, we can give the fans something they really enjoy."

Tarkowski's switch to Goodison Park follows a hugely successful six-and-a-half-year spell with former club Burnley. Arriving at Turf Moor from Brentford back in 2016, he went on to play a role in the Clarets' promotion back to the Premier League, whilst he was an almost constant figure in the top flight.

He went on to make 219 appearances for the Lancashire outfit but with his contract expiring, has elected to explore other options.

Lampard will certainly hope that Tarkowski's signing will be a transformative addition to the club's defence. The side shipped an eye-watering 66 goals last term having only just staved off the threat of relegation over the final weeks of the campaign.

They have however lost a crucial part of their attack with Richarlison making the switch to Spurs. The Toffees have banked £50m for their top scorer - the Brazilian having netted 11 goals in all competitions last term.