As per football.london reporter Tom Clark, an update has emerged on West Ham United's plans for Burnley defender James Tarkowski in January.

The Lowdown: Tarkowski targeted...

The 29-year-old, according to reports, is one of a handful of central defenders being targeted by manager David Moyes as he seeks to solve an emergency following injuries to both Kurt Zouma and Angelo Ogbonna.

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Tarkowski is also out of contract at Turf Moor next year, meaning he could leave at the end of 2021/2022 for free unless Burnley opt to sell on the cheap in January.

This has alerted West Ham with Moyes in particular thought to be a long term admirer of the Clarets mainstay.

The Latest: Journalist shares update...

As per Clark, some news has emerged on West Ham's transfer plans, with the club and by extension head of recruitment Rob Newman now 'contemplating a £5m bid' for his services next month.

While Burnley are unlikely to accept this offer, it is believed that a 'deal is thought to be possible' if the right offer arrives for Tarkowski.

The Verdict: Get it done?

As West Ham also weigh moves for both Nathan Ake and Nathaniel Phillips as alternative targets, we believe either of this duo would come as better options than Tarkowski - despite Sean Dyche calling him 'superb'.

Phillips, just 24-years-old, has already signalled his openness to leave Liverpool and could be available for as little as £10 million - a bargain price for someone who averaged more Premier League clearances per 90 than anyone in Jurgen Klopp's side last season (WhoScored).

Ake, meanwhile, is just two years older than Phillips and has played more often for Man City under Pep Guardiola so far this season - with the Spaniard calling him 'intelligent', 'concentrated' and a 'joy to have' (mancity.com).

The Netherlands international can also play at left-back and in front of the defence alongside his natural position as a centre-half.

Tarkowski, meanwhile, doesn't command much sell-on value and is approaching the twilight phase of his career - so we believe he should only be prioritised if Burnley opt to accept a very cheap fee.

In other news: 'We are back', 'What I wanted to hear'...ExWHUemployee's 'best news' has many West Ham fans buzzing, find out more here.