Burnley defender James Tarkowski is expected to be one of the most sought-after domestic free agents this summer following the Clarets’ relegation from the Premier League.
With the Clarets returning to the Championship next season, it is likely that a number of their stars will leave Turf Moore this summer, with defender Tarkowski being heavily linked with a return to the top flight.
Tarkowski is expected to be a free agent this summer with it being unlikely that he will sign fresh terms with the side who are set to appoint Vincent Kompany as their new manager imminently. So, where does that leave the defender and his future?
Who has been linked with signing James Tarkowski?
Five Premier League clubs have been credited with an interest in the centre-back, who has played 194 times in the top-flight in the last six seasons for the Clarets.
Aston Villa, Everton, West Ham United, Newcastle United and newly-promoted Fulham have all reportedly shown an interest in the defender.
The centre-back has spent more than ten of his 13 seasons as a professional football in the north west and was born in Manchester, perhaps hinting that he may be more keen on a northern-based club.
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Are all five clubs still in the running?
Villa may have turned their interests away from Tarkowski following their recent transfer business. Steven Gerrard’s side completed the signing of Diego Carlos from Sevilla last week for £26million, suggesting that a centre-back may not be the priority for them at present.
West Ham are also reportedly closing in on signing Moroccan international centre-back Nayef Aguerd from French side Rennes for £30million, leaving Fulham, Newcastle and Everton as the more likely sides to acquire him.
With the Toffees being situated in the north west and the Magpies not only north but with money to spend, both clubs could be the most likely to sign the defender this summer.
What would James Tarkowski add?
The defender, aged 29, still has plenty to offer and boasts 194 Premier League games to his career record, missing just 15 out of 190 top-flight matches in the past five seasons.
Tarkoswki would add plenty of leadership to the back line of any Premier League side, especially with a team aiming to push up the top-flight table, having helped Burnley reach the qualifying rounds of the Europa League in the 2017/18 campaign.
Last season, Southampton ’s Mohammed Salisu (79) was the only centre-back to make more tackles than Tarkowski in the Premier League last season.
