Burnley could face a battle to keep James Tarkowski at the club after two Premier League sides reportedly expressed an interest in the defender.
The Mirror reported that Leicester have renewed their interest in the 27-year-old, having been deterred by the Clarets’ £50m price tag last summer, while Crystal Palace have now entered the transfer race for the twice-capped England international.
Tarkowski’s importance at Burnley is reflected in his status as an ever-present figure in their Premier League season so far, needing just one more start to make it a third successive top-flight campaign in which he has been in the line-up for 30 or more games (as per WhoScored).
He has the highest overall average match rating of anyone in Sean Dyche’s squad with 7.11 (as per WhoScored) and has also been named man of the match more regularly than any of his team-mates.
The 27-year-old is a colossus in the air for the Clarets, winning no fewer than five aerial duels per game for his team. As noted by The Mirror, he has made more headed clearances than any other Premier League player this season.
Aside from fellow top-flight ever-present Ben Mee, Burnley do not have much strength in depth at centre-back. Kevin Long has played just two league minutes this term, yet that is still two minutes more than outcast Ben Gibson has managed, with the 27-year-old so peripheral at the club that he has been allowed to train with former employers Middlesbrough.
Even if Leicester or Crystal Palace were to make an offer in the region of £50m with Burnley’s finances set to be hit by the coronavirus pandemic (as per The Mirror), Dyche would need to think about what he is losing before blindly taking the money.
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In an area where the Clarets lack reliable depth, Tarkowski is a leader for the entire team and his performances this season show why the Foxes and Eagles are preparing to swoop for him – as well as why Burnley must stand firm and keep the ‘not for sale’ signs prominently displayed.
Burnley fans, how difficult would it be to replace Tarkowski if he were to leave Turf Moor this summer? Share your views in the comments section below!
