---
title: "West Ham United: Noel Whelan wowed by Irons target James Tarkowski"
canonical: "https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/west-ham-united-noel-whelan-wowed-by-irons-target-james-tarkowski/"
type: "post"
language: "en-GB"
author: "Emilio Galantini"
section: "Premier League"
published: "2021-06-20T13:40:47Z"
modified: "2021-06-20T13:40:47Z"
---

# West Ham United: Noel Whelan wowed by Irons target James Tarkowski

**Speaking to [Football Insider](https://www.footballinsider247.com/ex-striker-convinced-tarkowski-will-thrive-at-west-ham-as-source-reveals-hes-very-keen-to-join/), pundit and [BBC regular](https://mobile.twitter.com/BBCWYS/status/1356995865219653633) Noel Whelan has been left wowed by James Tarkowski and says he has ‘no doubt’ the defender would be a success at West Ham United.**

### The Lowdown: Tarkowski saga returns…

Last year, the Hammers made a series of failed summer bids to try and prise the centre-back away from Turf Moor and down to east London. Indeed, [Sky Sports](https://www.skysports.com/football/news/11685/12073840/james-tarkowski-west-ham-have-third-bid-rejected-for-burnley-defender) said that GSB even lodged a third £31m offer for the 28-year-old but Burnley refused to budge.

\[freshpress-quiz id=”359260″\]

[Football Insider](https://www.footballinsider247.com/google-sources-tarkowski-very-keen-to-join-west-ham-as-burnley-in-talks-to-land-replacement/) have now claimed that the centre-back is ‘very keen’ on a move to the English capital and would fully grasp a move to West Ham with both hands.

### The Latest: Whelan reacts…

Reacting to this development, Whelan told [Football Insider](https://www.footballinsider247.com/ex-striker-convinced-tarkowski-will-thrive-at-west-ham-as-source-reveals-hes-very-keen-to-join/) that Tarkowski would strengthen West Ham no end, calling him ‘aggressive’ and a ‘leader’ at the back.

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

“Yeah, absolutely,” the pundit explained when asked if Tarkowski would reinforce David Moyes’ side.

“It’s not the first time they have been interested in him. He’s a very good defender. He’s so experienced and aggressive at the back. One of those leaders every team needs.

“I have no doubt he’ll be a success. Once again Moyes is going British. Most of the players he’s brought in have been British. He’s building a solid foundation at West Ham and he wants Tarkowski to be part of that.

“It’s an ideal signing to make if West Ham want to push on and keep challenging.”

### The Verdict: Do it Moyesey…

It is reported that West Ham want to invest in three main areas this summer transfer window. [Claret & Hugh](https://www.claretandhugh.info/candh-exclusive-moyes-wants-three-positions-filled/) believe that the Irons want to seal a permanent deal for Jesse Lingard, sign a new forward and bring in a solid centre-half option.

Tarkowski would certainly be the perfect acquisition for the latter task, and a possible West Ham swoop may be more realistic going by his [precarious situation at Burnley](https://theathletic.com/2491569/2021/04/02/analysed-seven-defenders-burnley-could-sign-to-replace-james-tarkowski/) and contract length, with just one year remaining on his current deal. With all that in mind, the Irons need to take advantage and get it done.

***In other news: ‘Have started negotiations’…Journalist drops exciting West Ham transfer claim, find out more [here.](https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/west-ham-transfer-rumours/west-ham-united-journalist-drops-exciting-hammers-transfer-claim/)***