James Tarkowski has echoed manager David Moyes' sentiments that Everton should be an attractive proposition for potential buyers while revealing how he is in constant dialogue with Thierno Barry as he aims to bring out the best in the first team's only recognised striker.
On Friday, The Friedkin Group, who completed their takeover of the Blues less than 22 months ago, announced that they are prepared to sell their controlling stake. Speaking in his pre-match press conference to preview the trip to Hull City, Moyes declared how they are a great club worth buying and if anyone is thinking about it, he'll be the first one to recommend Everton.
Tarkowski on takeover speculation
Following their subsequent 2-2 draw at Hull City, which extended their unbeaten run to eight matches this season, captain Tarkowski said: "There's a lot of questions about it, but nothing changes. You walk into work and it's exactly the same the next day.
"Even when the takeover happened a couple of years ago, nothing really changed. Obviously things way above us, things might look different, but for us it's normal."
Asked if he concurred with Moyes about the Blues being an attractive team to buy, the 33-year-old said: "I would think so. I think Everton are one of the biggest clubs in the country.
"We've got an exceptional stadium, a manager who is one of the most experienced managers in the game and quality side with a lot of young and experienced players too. We have quite a few young players that are at the early stage of their careers and are going to progress and turn into top, top players so we know we are still a work in progress.
"So, from my perspective and most Everton fans, it's an amazing club to be part of. What happens next we will see.
"All that is way above our heads. Whatever happens will happen. Our job is to be the best football team we can be and that's what we are focused on."
Supporting Thierno Barry
Barry missed a sitter against the Tigers but then netted his sixth goal this term – he didn't reach that tally until February 28 last season – and his skipper explained how he is keen to offer him encouragement. Tarkowski said: "Thierno knows himself, he's working on himself all the time, technically, his movement, where to be on the pitch, every part of his game he's working on.
"He's a great kid and got a real desire to learn and improve.
"He's still scored a few goals. I know he missed a couple of chances but his finish for the goal was brilliant.
"There's a lot on his shoulders. He's our only recognised striker so there's a lot on him in the toughest league in the world.
"It's not an easy task. There are going to be times when things don't go his way, but he has to keep his head down, keep working hard and the goals will come.
"I'm always talking to him. He's a confident lad, but I'm not saying that missing chances won't affect him – it can affect anyone – but he's willing to put himself in those positions to try to score."
European hopes after Hull draw
The point in East Yorkshire moved Everton up to fifth in the table ahead of their home game against Chelsea. In the corresponding fixture against the west London outfit last season, the Blues triumphed 3-0 to go three points off a Champions League place on March 21 but then failed to win their last seven matches and slumped to finish 13th.
Explaining their European hopes for the current campaign, the centre-back said: "We gifted Hull two goals from pretty strong positions really. The goals have led to us drawing the game.
"It's not like us defensively so disappointing from that aspect, but we created some really good chances and could have scored more.
"We got so close last year and just fell at the final hurdle which was so disappointing. Our goal is to now push and chase that dream again and hopefully we can kick on again this season.
"It's been a good start to the season, it's not been exceptional, but we are competing with the teams in the top half of the table. That's where we want to be, so hopefully we can kick on from this."
