James Tarkowski is reportedly due to have a medical with Everton ahead of a potential move to Goodison Park.
The 29-year-old is out of contract with relegated Burnley at the end of June and has been heavily linked to the Blues since the end of the season.
Everton have faced been blighted by issues at centre-back since Frank Lampard's appointment as manager in January and strengthening in that area is thought to be a priority. A number of outlets, including The Athletic, are now reporting Tarkowski is moving closer to becoming Everton's first summer signing as discussions continue.
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Lampard has hinted at wanting to make improvements to Everton's core after his early months at the club were plagued by injuries to key players. Yerry Mina and Ben Godfrey both missed a significant number of games during the relegation battle that culminated in the Blues securing Premier League survival with a dramatic win over Crystal Palace in the penultimate game of the season.
Lampard is determined to make his side more robust and Tarkowski has played more than 30 league games in each of the previous five seasons. The Everton boss is also keen to adopt more progressive tactics after ending the season with a pragmatic approach as the threat of relegation loomed.
In comments pointing towards improvements at the back, Lampard said after the Palace game: "If we want to start playing a bit better between the lines, that starts from the back, and so we will look at all those things and through the middle of the pitch about how we can work because that's always the first thing and then maybe how we can add and improve."
