West Ham are set to drop their interest in James Tarkowski as they expect him to join Newcastle this summer.
The Premier League Hammers are long-term admirers of Burnley stopper Tarkowski, who they bid for in 2020. Now the defender, 29, who has two England caps, is finally set to quit Turf Moor this summer when his contract expires. Toon boss Eddie Howe is desperate to bring in a new centre-back and wants Tarkowski, who has a 69 percent tackle success this term in the Premier League, where he has also won 228 duels.
Newcastle have huge funds after their Saudi takeover and can offer Tarkowski a big rise on his current £50,000-a-week wages. West Ham boss David Moyes also wants a centre-back and likes Tarkowski but is now considering other options.