Burnley are expected to block James Tarkowski’s move in the January window to aid their relegation fight, amid interest from West Ham, Newcastle United.
According to Football Insider, Burnley are prepared to block a move for in-demand central defender James Tarkowski in the January window. The Clarets see the 28-year-old, who is a target for Newcastle and West Ham United, as a key figure in their relegation battle and are ready to let him leave on a free transfer when the season ends.
Tarkowski has earned a reputation as a top-quality centre-back after consistent performances in a Burnley shirt. He has been critical to Burnley forming an image of being a solid defensive side, as they have shown great resilience at the back over the seasons.
With his contract expiring in the summer of 2022, Tarkowski is a man in demand as several Premier League clubs queue up for his signature. Among those sides are West Ham and Newcastle United, while more could join the chase as we near January.
Newcastle came into the race very much after their Saudi-backed takeover concluded. The Magpies have drawn out extensive plans alongside new manager Eddie Howe for the January window, with a central defender imperative to their season’s targets.
They have the money and could offer a decent sum to Burnley even when they can have the defender on a free at the end of the campaign. They were hoping to entice the Clarets into doing business, as they eye Tarkowski to ease their problems defensively.
Newcastle’s pursuit was hindered by the entry of West Ham United, who wanted to sign Tarkowski to offset the injury led absence of Angelo Ogbonna. The Italian defender suffered a season-ending ACL injury against Liverpool, which could be a blow for the Hammers and their ambitions this term.
Tarkowski himself is believed to be keen on signing for West Ham. The Hammers will certainly guarantee a competitive atmosphere compared to Newcastle, who are deep in the relegation battle. However, in what will be a blow to Newcastle and West Ham in their pursuit of Tarkowski, Burnley have decided his exit in January.
Manager Sean Dyche views the centre-half as crucial to the team and will not take his chances in the relegation battle without him. Burnley currently sit outside the danger zone and could be pulled back into the dogfight with minor slip-ups in their performances. Considering their position, Newcastle, in 19th, are direct rivals, and it could certainly hurt their chances if a player like Tarkowski joins them.
As things stand, Burnley are prepared to take a minor loss with any cut-price fee they might receive for Tarkowski. The Clarets are ready to let him go on a free transfer when the season ends. It would certainly be a blow for the Magpies and the Hammers, who were hoping to lure the defender to London in January.
