Burnley centre-back James Tarkowski is eager to join West Ham United after they renewed their interest, according to Football Insider.

The lowdown

The publication reports that the Hammers are targeting Tarkowski once again after first trying to sign him last year.

They're apparently intent on recruiting a 'top-level centre-back' in the summer transfer window.

The 28-year-old Englishman, valued at £22.5million by Transfermarkt, is about to enter the final year of his contract at Turf Moor.

Tarkowski made 36 appearances for Burnley last season, averaging 4.6 successful aerial duels, 4.4 clearances and 1.8 tackles per 90 minutes (via WhoScored).

Defensive partner Ben Mee has hailed Tarkowski as 'honourable' after he resisted earlier interest to remain at Burnley.

The latest

Tarkowski may now have decided the time is right to seek a new challenge. The report states that he would jump at the chance to join the Irons.

Encouragingly for West Ham, Burnley have already set to work on a possible replacement in the form of Stoke City's Nathan Collins.

Last year, the Clarets rejected a bid as high as £31million for Tarkowski.

The verdict

If West Ham want a top centre-half, then Tarkowski fits the bill. He's an upgrade on what they currently have, and could slot in alongside Angelo Ogbonna to form an enviable partnership.

Craig Dawson and Issa Diop would then provide excellent depth behind that duo.

From the player's point of view, this move is long overdue. He's been consistently impressive for a number of seasons now, but there's only so far he can go with Burnley and if he wants to earn more England caps in the future, a move to a side in the Europa League could help him showcase his talents on a bigger stage.

In other news, West Ham are weighing up a move for this former Arsenal star.