---
title: "West Ham United: Reporter makes James Tarkowski transfer claim"
canonical: "https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/west-ham-united-james-tarkowski-latest-transfer-news-gossip-david-moyes/"
type: "post"
language: "en-GB"
author: "Emilio Galantini"
section: "Premier League"
published: "2021-12-18T11:10:41Z"
modified: "2021-12-18T11:10:41Z"
---

# West Ham United: Reporter makes James Tarkowski transfer claim

**As per [football.london reporter Tom Clark](https://www.football.london/west-ham-united-fc/transfer-news/west-ham-january-transfer-window-22498429), 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](https://www.football.london/west-ham-united-fc/transfer-news/west-ham-january-transfer-window-22498429), 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.](https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-10288835/West-Ham-David-Moyes-confirms-transfer-priority-new-defender-Zouma-Ogbonna-injuries.html)

[West Ham latest updates!](https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/web-stories/west-ham-latest-updates/)

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](https://www.standard.co.uk/sport/football/west-ham-january-transfer-window-daniel-kretinsky-b965632.html) of the Clarets mainstay.

### The Latest: Journalist shares update…

As per [Clark](https://www.football.london/west-ham-united-fc/transfer-news/west-ham-january-transfer-window-22498429), 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](https://www.football.london/west-ham-united-fc/transfer-news/west-ham-january-transfer-window-22498429) as alternative targets, we believe either of this duo would come as better options than Tarkowski – despite Sean Dyche calling him ‘[superb](https://theathletic.com/2020432/2020/08/26/james-tarkowsi-burnley-england-gareth-southgate/?article_source=search&search_query=tarkowski)‘.

Phillips, just 24-years-old, has already[signalled his openness to leave Liverpool](https://www.skysports.com/football/news/11669/12496692/nat-phillips-liverpool-defender-ready-to-leave-anfield-in-january-transfer-window) and could be available for as little as [£10 million](https://www.thesun.co.uk/sport/football/17011358/west-ham-liverpool-nat-phillips-transfer/) – a bargain price for someone who averaged more Premier League clearances per 90 than anyone in Jurgen Klopp’s side last season ([WhoScored](https://www.whoscored.com/Teams/26/Archive/England-Liverpool?stageId=18685)).

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)](https://www.mancity.com/citytv/mens/pep-guardiola-post-burnley-embargo-press-conference-63770024).

The Netherlands international can also play at [left-back and in front of the defence](https://www.whoscored.com/Players/122945/Show/Nathan-Ak%C3%A9) 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.](https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/west-ham-transfer-rumours/west-ham-united-jesse-lingard-update-exwhuemployee-transfer-news-latest-rumours/)***