Everton have been linked with a move for experienced Burnley defender Ben Mee, and with the 32-year-old available on a free transfer, this should be a no-brainer for Frank Lampard.

What's the word?

According to the Daily Mirror live blog (June 2, 4:07 pm), the Toffees are keen on signing the centre-back as he prepares to leave the Clarets following their relegation from the Premier League.

Aston Villa are also credited with an interest in the experienced centre-back, but following their signing of Diego Carlos from Sevilla earlier this week, you would expect Lampard's side to be in the driving seat to sign Mee.

Signing Mee would be a no-brainer

Mee initially signed for Burnley on loan from Manchester City in 2011. He signed a permanent deal at Turf Moor the following year and was a virtual ever-present in the decade since, making 376 appearances in all competitions, contributing 12 goals and 12 assists in that time.

Despite Burnley's relegation this year, the defender enjoyed another solid season for the Clarets, averaging a 6.91 rating from WhoScored for his performances in the top flight, which was better than any of Everton's defensive options.

The 32-year-old also showed his leadership skills to step up as a coach following the departure of manager Sean Dyche in April, and he would undoubtedly set an example on and off the pitch if he were to make the move to Goodison Park.

Dyche was full of praise for his former Burnley captain in 2020, saying: “He has become a very strong player for us and a good captain.

“This sounds like not strong enough praise but I can assure you it is. He is a very solid campaigner, week in, week out. He is always there for you and delivers and that is a big compliment.

“He is consistent, his values are consistent, a tough-minded fella and a very fair-minded fella and a lot of those qualities don’t just happen off the pitch, they go on the pitch with him."

According to Salary Sport, Mee was earning £73k per week at Turf Moor; and although he is 32, he would be a cheap and experienced option for Lampard to have in his squad next season as the Toffees look to improve on what was so nearly a disastrous 2021/22 campaign.

Therefore, Everton chairman Farhad Moshiri should see this deal as a no-brainer and do all that he can to bring Mee to Goodison Park this summer.

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