West Ham are reportedly poised to make a £7 million bid for Burnley defender James Tarkowski in the January transfer window.
According to The Sun, West Ham United are weighing up a last-gasp attempt to sign James Tarkowski. The Burnley man has emerged as a priority target for the club, with David Moyes desperate to secure the services of a new defender in the upcoming January transfer window.
However, the Hammers have not had much luck in their pursuit of Tarkowski, with Burnley keen on keeping hold of his services this season. As a result, West Ham are expected to make a final bid for the defender worth around £7 million before moving on to other alternatives in the market.
Formerly of Brentford, Tarkowski has been a great servant for Burnley over the years. Since joining the club in early 2016, the English centre-back has featured in almost 200 competitive appearances for Clarets, building a formidable defensive partnership alongside Ben Mee.
The 29-year-old’s leadership, aggression and overall contribution in defence have been vital in helping Burnley preserve their Premier League status under Sean Dyche. But the defender has been tipped for a move away from Turf Moor lately, especially with his contract expiring at the end of the season.
Tarkowski’s contract situation has put multiple clubs on red alert, including West Ham. It appears the Gunners consider the Englishman as an ideal replacement for Angelo Ogbonna, whose serious injury may keep him out for the entirety of the campaign.
Boasting immense experience at the highest level of football, Tarkowski could have what it takes to emerge as a defensive leader at West Ham. However, it appears unlikely that a fee of just £7 million will be enough to prise the 29-year-old away from Turf Moor, with Burnley even willing to keep him at the expense of seeing him leave the club for free next summer.
It has compelled the Hammers to look for alternatives in the market. West Ham are reportedly eyeing a move for Nathaniel Phillips while another forgotten Liverpool defender in Ben Davies, currently on loan at Sheffield United, may also be considered.
In addition to these two stars, West Ham have been linked with a move for Hertha BSC defender Niklas Stark, who offers much more experience at the highest level of football and could prove to be a more appropriate alternative for Tarkowski in January, despite his lack of experience in the Premier League.
