Everton remain favourites to sign Burnley defender James Tarkowski.

The Mirror says Everton are closing in on a deal to sign Tarkowski.

The 29-year-old is out of contract at the end of the month and central defence is a key area Everton manager Frank Lampard wishes to strengthen this summer.

The Blues are 'confident' a deal can be done, despite interest from Newcastle United, who can match any offer Everton make.

Amid financial difficulty, the Merseyside club will look to offload players on big wages this summer in order to free up space on the wage bill for new signings.