Everton potentially handing James Tarkowski huge wages is a "concern", claims journalist Pete O'Rourke.

The Burnley defender is out of contract at the end of the month and has been strongly linked with a move to Goodison Park.

What is the latest news involving Tarkowski?

The Daily Express' Ryan Taylor recently reported that Everton are hopeful of signing Tarkowski this summer after offering him a deal.

While there will be no transfer fee involved, the Toffees could still end up forking out a lot of money to bring the 29-year-old to the club.

Speaking to GIVEMESPORT last week, transfer insider Dean Jones revealed that the Merseyside outfit are willing to offer Tarkowski huge wages.

The likes of Aston Villa and Newcastle United have also been linked with Tarkowski, possibly explaining why Everton are ready to hand the £19.8m-rated Englishman a big contract as they look to see off competition from their Premier League rivals.

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What has O'Rourke said about Tarkowski to Everton?

While O'Rourke thinks Tarkowski is a good target for Everton to have, he has concerns about the Toffees handing him huge money amid their financial situation.

The journalist told GMS: "It's going to be a difficult summer, I think, for Everton in this transfer window due to their financial problems, so they probably are looking at free agents right now to try and bolster the squad, and Tarkowski would be a good free transfer target for them.

"Giving him big wages would be a concern, but that's what Everton are maybe going to have to do this summer if they are to beat some of their rivals to players."

Should Everton hand Tarkowski a big contract?

Everton are in desperate need of defensive reinforcements this summer. In the 2021/22 campaign, they conceded 66 goals in the 38 league games they played - one of the worst records in the division.

Manager Frank Lampard has also had to contend with Yerry Mina picking up injuries. When you consider that and the above, it is not hard to understand why the Toffees seem open to handing Tarkowski a lucrative deal.

Hailed as a "fantastic professional" by former Burnley boss Sean Dyche, he could be the man to come in and improve the Premier League outfit at the back with all of his experience.

The 6 ft 1 centre-back has spent the last six seasons in the English top flight with the Clarets, racking up 194 appearances.

Ultimately, if Lampard feels Tarkowski can significantly improve his backline, then Everton need to do all they can to bring him in.