West Ham United are set to miss out on Burnley defender James Tarkowski and have started to turn to other options, claims transfer insider Dean Jones.
The Lowdown: Moyes’ target
The 29-year-old has been a long-term target of Hammers boss David Moyes. According to The Guardian, West Ham had multiple bids rejected by Burnley for the defender in summer 2020.
Astonishingly, it is reported that the east London club’s final offer amounted to a staggering £30m.
However, with the Burnley man’s contract set to expire at the end of June, Tarkowski will leave Turf Moor on a free transfer this summer.
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The Latest: Jones’ claim
According to the Daily Mirror, West Ham have cooled their interest in Tarkowski because they expect him to sign for Newcastle.
Whilst Jones is unsure about the validity of that report, the transfer insider has asserted that the Irons aren’t confident in their chances of signing the defender.
Speaking with GiveMeSport, he claimed:
“I’m not sure that’s the reason necessarily, but I don’t think West Ham have had positive feelings that they’ve got a good chance of signing Tarkowski, and that’s why they’re starting to turn towards other options in case it can’t happen.”
The Verdict: Would be a great signing on a free
As a proven Premier League defender with almost 200 top-flight appearances under his belt, Tarkowski has been hailed as “outstanding” by former Clarets manager Sean Dyche.
With such a wealth of experience and available for zero initial cost, it is certainly no surprise to see a whole host of clubs lining up for the centre-back’s signature.
And if the likes of Newcastle decide to offer the 29-year-old a huge salary, this deal may prove difficult for West Ham to get over the line.
Either way, whichever team ends up signing him will be receiving a great player on a free transfer, and Moyes may well be gutted to miss out given his long-term interest.
In other news: West Ham nearing agreement with Rennes for Nayef Aguerd!