The Daily Mail claim Leeds have joined numerous other Premier League clubs in the race to sign Burnley defender James Tarkowski. The England international is out of contract at Turf Moor this month.
English clubs can now approach players under the Bosman ruling on a pre-contract agreement, if their contract expires on June 30. Tarkowski is one of those players, and is set to leave Burnley after relegation.
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Of course, Leeds were the ones who relegated Burnley on the final day of the season. Now, they are looking to enact double punishment on Mike Jackson’s men, by raiding the Clarets for Tarkowski on a free.
The likes of Newcastle, West Ham and Aston Villa have all been linked with the centre-back – a player Danny Murphy once described as a ‘proven defensive leader’ that makes ‘perfect sense’ for Newcastle.
Leeds join Tarkowski race: Elland Road best for Burnley man?
While it may be a solid suit for the likes of Newcastle, according to Murphy, does Tarkowski suit Leeds? The Whites are renowned for their footballing style of play, initiated by Marcelo Bielsa and continued by Jesse Marsch.
Tarkowski is more of a no-nonsense defender. He does have footballing ability, but his forte is the physical aspects of being a centre-back. Organisation, winning tackles and headers. But perhaps, that is what Leeds need.
Of course, Tarkowski was hardly popular in Leeds when he said Burnley had what it takes to avoid relegation, and Leeds didn’t. It would be a change of transfer approach for Leeds, but it might just be what they need.
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