Aston Villa have held talks with Burnley defender James Tarkowski over a possible move to the Midlands, according to Sky Sports.

The Lowdown: Tarkowski’s contract situation

The centre-back has been on the books at Turf Moor since 2016 and has made 219 appearances for the Clarets, 37 of which came during the 2021/22 campaign.

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The 29-year-old couldn’t prevent relegation for Burnley on the final day of the Premier League season and he now looks set to leave the club over the coming weeks. His contract expires at the end of June, and it looks as if a free transfer to Villa Park could now be on the cards.

The Latest: Villa hold talks with Tarkowski

Sky Sports shared a transfer update on Monday evening after Villa secured a free transfer for Marseille midfielder Boubacar Kamara.

They relayed the news on the French midfielder and also added that the club have also held talks with Tarkowski, although Villa are expected to face competition from a number of Premier League sides for the Burnley defender.

The Verdict: Smart move?

Tarkowski would bring plenty of Premier League experience with him to Villa Park, should a move materialise, so signing him without the expense of a transfer fee could be a wise move by Steven Gerrard.

The 41-year-old has already taken advantage of the free transfer market by signing Kamara, and it looks as if a defensive overhaul could now be on the cards in the Midlands.

Reports have suggested that the futures of Ezri Konsa and Tyrone Mings are in doubt, which could leave Gerrard with just Calum Chambers and Kortney Hause as senior centre-back options.

Therefore, landing Tarkowski for nothing could be a smart move, and one which also wouldn’t eat into the manager's £150m transfer kitty from NSWE.

In other news: NSWE now eyeing another defender; Villa chiefs sent to club after Gerrard approves