Daily Star journalist Paul Brown has told Give Me Sport that there is a “huge possibility” that West Ham sign Burnley defender James Tarkowski this summer. The England ace is out of contract in June, and looks set to go.
Tarkowski, 29, has been a regular for Burnley ever since completing a £3million (Times) move from Brentford in 2016. In his six years under Sean Dyche, the defender has clocked up 212 appearances for the Clarets.
His form has also seen him win two England caps – and previously win interest from West Ham. The Guardian report that the Hammers bid £27million for Tarkowski back in the summer of 2020 – which was rejected.
Now, Burnley are set to lose him on a free – whether they remain in the Premier League or not. Brown claims that is a huge chance that they sign him for nothing in the coming weeks or months from Turf Moor.
“I don’t think the Tarkowski interest has gone away. Obviously, they could be in another division and forced to sell in the summer. I think there’s a huge possibility that that deal could still happen,” Brown said.
Brown on Tarkowski: West Ham desperately need Burnley defender
Moyes currently has four options. Craig Dawson is the first name on the team sheet at the moment – his performance against Sevilla was superb. But he turns 32 next month. Issa Diop’s form has been questionable.
Angelo Ogbonna could return from injury soon – but he is 34 soon. So, West Ham need another defender, but one that fits Moyes’ requirements in a centre-back. Excellent in the air, no-nonsense. Tarkowski is perfect.
West Ham are clearly admirers having tried to sign him for the best part of £30million. Getting him on a free, albeit a couple of years later, will surely interest the London side with another Europa League campaign likely.
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