Your Everton morning headlines for Sunday, April 17.
Everton transfer dilemma emerges over alternative to Michael Keane and Yerry Mina
Following Sean Dyche’s shock sacking, several Everton old boys have been linked to the Burnley vacancy. But while having an ex-Blue take the reins at Turf Moor for the relegation run-in might seem a bit off, Goodison Park chiefs might be planning their own summer transfer raid on the Clarets.
When it comes to the bookmakers list to be next permanent Burnley manager, Rafa Benitez, Sam Allardyce and even David Unsworth are all mentioned and you could understand the disgruntlement among long-suffering Evertonians if any of that trio ended up in the dugout going head-to-head against their own club in what is a direct battle to stay up.
READ MORE: 'Started to get very serious' - Paul Clement details Frank Lampard call which brought him to Everton
However, potentially turning the tables somewhat, a report from The Hard Tackle claims that Everton are in the race to sign James Tarkowski. A standout performer at Burnley for several seasons, the England international’s current contract expires this summer and the article states that the Blues are “looking to make an offer” for the 29-year-old but could face competition from nouveau riche Newcastle United.
Just what kind of attributes would Tarkowski offer though? We know that the Blues have had their problems in the centre-back area this season – particularly with their most-dominant option in the position, Yerry Mina missing over two thirds of their Premier League games – but the question remains at to whether the former Oldham Athletic and Brentford man is a significant upgrade on what they’ve already got.
Frank Lampard could transform Everton with approach for coach Thomas Tuchel fought for
Midway through the first half during Frank Lampard’s first Premier League game in charge, Evertonians got a glimpse into the work on the training ground that the new Blues boss was implementing. Already 1-0 up against Leeds United through Seamus Coleman’s diving header, the hosts were awarded a corner-kick in front of the Park End, which Anthony Gordon prepared to take.
It was unclear who the Everton home-grown hero’s out-swinging effort would be aimed for though as half of their outfield players were all standing in a row by the edge of the Yorkshire side’s penalty area. Richarlison was at the front of the queue was Mason Holgate, Dominic Calvert-Lewin, Michael Keane and Coleman all behind him.
As the delivery came in from the right, the quintet split and with Leeds’ players unsure of what was going on and who to pick up, Keane took advantage of the confusion to double the Blues’ lead through a bullet header. It was a well-worked move, executed to perfection but perhaps just the tip of the iceberg to the potential that could lie ahead if Lampard is able to recruit another of his former charges.
