Newcastle United have a clear path at landing Burnley star James Tarkowski on a free transfer as West Ham United have dropped out of the race.
According to the Mirror, Premier League side Newcastle United appear to be in the driving seat in the pursuit of Burnley star James Tarkowski ahead of the summer transfer window.
The 29-year-old has been one of the few bright spots for Burnley in a season that has seen more lows than highs. The centre-back spent the majority of his career in the lower leagues before moving to the Clarets in 2016. He not only immediately helped Burnley gain promotion to the Premier League but also helped consolidate their position as top-flight regulars.
With 192 appearances in the Premier League, Tarkowski is an experienced defender who has held his own at the top. He is currently in his prime and could do with a new challenge. In Newcastle, he has an opportunity to become part of a rebuild that could eventually see the Magpies emerge as contenders for European football.
With Premier League status assured, Newcastle can afford to plan for the summer. The defeat to Manchester City last weekend showed that Eddie Howe could do with an infusion of quality in his rearguard. While Tarkowski isn’t exactly world-class, he is an improvement on who they have in their ranks right now. More so, he will also add leadership to a defence that has been at sixes and sevens at times.
The 29-year-old’s contract at Turf Moor expires this summer, meaning Tarkowski could be signed for free. The defender could be set for a massive pay rise and could certainly play at a higher level than what Burnley can offer. The Englishman has taken the Clarets as far as he can and could be itching for a new challenge.
Tarkowski had also attracted attention from West Ham United. With Issa Diop expected to move on in the summer and Angelo Ogbonna returning after a lengthy spell out on the sidelines, a new defender would be a welcome addition at the London Stadium. However, the Hammers appear to have accepted that the 29-year-old is St James Park bound and are set to drop their interest.
Howe previously mentioned that while the Magpies do have the cash to spare, their transfer business will be subjected to Financial Fair Play. Landing a player of Tarkowski’s quality for free should certainly free up funds that could be better used elsewhere.
