James Tarkowski, Burnley, Aston Villa, AVFC, Premier League, transfer news
Aston Villa should turn to Burnley defender James Tarkowski in the summer transfer window, according to journalist Josh Holland.
The lowdown: Leader required
Steven Gerrard recently admitted that he would be ‘working on’ adding senior squad members in the transfer window, failing to rule out naming a new captain for the 2022/23 season to replace Tyrone Mings.
Despite the manager’s reservations about the 29-year-old, Mings has completed 90 minutes on 23 occasions in the Premier League since Gerrard’s arrival at Villa Park, missing just one match in that time.
However, with doubts remaining over the long-term captain at the club, one top-flight stalwart has been tipped to do the job…
The latest: Holland suggests Tarkowski
Speaking to GiveMeSport, Holland dismissed the idea of bringing Rangers captain James Tavernier to Villa to take the armband and instead cited Burnley colossus Tarkowski as an ideal target.
The journalist said: “If you bring in James Tavernier, is he going to get in over Matty Cash? And, you know, a captain who’s not playing.
“I think if we’re talking about captain replacements who they can bring in, James Tarkowski is a good shout. His contract runs out at Burnley this summer, whether they stay up, I still don’t think he will stay at the club; you’d like to think they would have confirmed it by now.”
Newcastle United and West Ham United have both been extensively linked with a move for the 29-year-old in recent months as the former Brentford ace prepares to leave Turf Moor as a free agent.
The verdict: Shrewd move
A vastly experienced operator with 192 top-flight matches under his belt, Tarkowski has also been recognised at international level, earning two caps for England under Gareth Southgate.
This season, the Mancunian has made 35 appearances across all competitions for the Clarets, taking the armband on 11 occasions in the absence of club captain Ben Mee.
The no-nonsense defender, who was hailed as ‘outstanding’ by ex-Burnley boss Sean Dyche, has earned an impressive 7.17 Sofascore rating in the current Premier League campaign, winning 6.9 duels, completing 5.3 clearances and making 1.8 tackles per game.
Who has been Villa's Player of the Season?
Cash
Coutinho
McGinn
Ramsey
Combined with Tarkowski’s leadership and experience, that form makes him a worthwhile prospective capture for Gerrard and the Villans this summer, particularly as a free agent.
In other news: NSWE now close to agreeing deal for another midfielder alongside Coutinho
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