James Tarkowski could be interested in moving to Premier League high flyers West Ham United in January, with his Burnley contract running out.
According to Football Insider, James Tarkowski could push to join West Ham United in January if Burnley receive an offer for the 28-year-old English international’s services. The Hammers are eager to sign a reliable central defender in the next window to keep up with rivals on multiple fronts.
West Ham United are on the rise after some impressive displays. David Moyes has certainly rejuvenated the London Stadium after their recent victory over Liverpool, which helped them climb up to third on the Premier League table. They are now considered firm contenders for a top-four finish.
The Hammers are playing on multiple fronts, including the Europa League and Carabao Cup, which could lead to fitness issues in the long season. Injuries to key players could derail their season, and the situation with Angelo Ogbonna has forced them to think about such problems.
Ogbonna has been in fine form this term, forming a solid partnership with summer arrival Kurt Zouma at the heart of the West Ham defence. The veteran centre-back’s injury has certainly disrupted their momentum. The injury might keep him out of the remainder of the season, leaving the Hammers short at the back.
Craig Dawson is a reliable option, along with Issa Diop. However, Moyes may not necessarily view them as long-term, reliable choices to play in each Premier League game. Hence the club are visibly looking at options to replace Ogbonna directly or provide quality cover options at centre-back.
That explains their recent links to Middlesbrough defender Dael Fry and QPR’s Rob Dickie, both of whom have emerged as targets for Moyes. There are other players West Ham are looking at and they might draw up a shortlist before the end of the year, with James Tarkowski at the very top of the pile.
The Burnley defender is reportedly in the market with his contract expiring soon. His deal ends in the summer, and he could be moved on as the Clarets might decide to sell him in January to make something out of his departure rather than let him leave on a free transfer.
The 28-year-old has earned some pedigree with impressive displays for Burnley, making over 190 appearances since joining them. Tarkowski also features high on Newcastle United’s shortlist of centre-backs. The Magpies are expected to make significant signings in January, with the English international one of their priorities.
The Hammers could steal a march over the wealthy Magpies if they were to make an offer. West Ham can offer European football and are challenging at the very top of the Premier League. Hence Tarkowski is reportedly keen on signing for the Hammers than Newcastle or some other club. So, it remains to be seen if the player makes his way to the London Stadium this winter.
