Everton boss Frank Lampard will be 'hoping to convince' James Tarkowski to head to Goodison Park ahead of his Burnley contract expiring, according to journalist Pete O'Rourke.

Lampard was appointed as the Toffees' manager in January and, having steered them to Premier League safety, it seems he is aiming to link-up with Tarkowski on Merseyside.

What's the latest news involving Tarkowski?

Tarkowski is set to become a free agent as his £70,000-per-week Burnley contract is due to run out in a matter of weeks.

Everton director of football Kevin Thelwell is understood to be a big admirer of Tarkowski and headed to Turf Moor on a scouting mission during the final weeks of the season.

Amid interest from Newcastle United and West Ham United, the Toffees have made a concrete move for the central defender by offering a £120,000-per-week deal.

However, Lampard's charges are not the only Premier League outfit heading to the negotiating table as Aston Villa have lodged a similar proposal.

Fulham, fresh from winning the Championship title, are also mulling over whether to offer a lucrative contract after joining the race for Tarkowski's signature.

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What has Pete O'Rourke said about Tarkowski?

O'Rourke believes Tarkowski would be a shrewd signing for Everton, particularly with the 29-year-old being available without having to part with a transfer fee.

The journalist feels Lampard will attempt to beat the likes of Aston Villa to the centre-back's services by showing ambition and discussing his targets on Merseyside.

O'Rourke told GIVEMESPORT: "I think Tarkowski would be a good free agent for a number of Premier League clubs and the defence was a major issue for Everton this season, conceding far too many goals.

"I'm sure Frank Lampard would be hoping to convince Tarkowski to move to Everton - convincing him about the size of the club, the ambition and the project that he's hoping to embark on there at Goodison Park."

Why is Tarkowski of interest to Everton?

Although Tarkowski was unable to stop Burnley suffering relegation to the Championship this season, they still conceded far less goals than Everton and even had a stronger rearguard than sixth-placed Manchester United.

The two-cap England international was a key member of the Clarets' backline, chalking up 37 appearances and even grabbing a goal on the opening day of the campaign.

Should he move to Goodison Park, Tarkowski would offer Lampard's side plenty of top flight experience having amassed 194 outings in the competition.