West Ham United are now expected make a cash bid of £7million for Burnley defender James Tarkowski amid links to Newcastle United.
That’s according to The Sun, who claim that West Ham are preparing a January offer for Tarkowski.
West Ham know that Tarkowski is out of contract next summer and has made it clear he won’t stay at Burnley.
The 28-year-old will leave for free if Burnley don’t sell in January, and West Ham are hoping the lure of cash – even if it’s a low figure – can secure a deal.
Tarkowski has been a long-term target of David Moyes and West Ham are now moving in.
West Ham losing Angelo Ogbonna for the season means Moyes is desperate for defensive reinforcements.
Tarkowski is the top target, but there will be plenty of other suitors in the race…
West Ham could face Newcastle battle for Tarkowski
West Ham’s main competition for Tarkowski could be Newcastle as they seek to stay in the Premier League.
The Telegraph reported in October that Tarkowski is expected to become one of Newcastle’s first signings in January.
With their new owners on board, Newcastle will have cash to spend in January – and a low-cost deal for Tarkowski was the plan.
Yet with Newcastle in real danger of relegation and West Ham soaring high in the Premier League and in Europe, that may not be a sure thing.
West Ham now have a real chance to leave Newcastle gutted over Tarkowski, who has been branded a ‘top player’ by boss Sean Dyche.
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