Newcastle ‘in pole position to land James Tarkowski transfer after West Ham pull out of race for Burnley defender’
JAMES TARKOWSKI looks set to join Newcastle United after West Ham pulled out of the race to sign the defender, according to reports.
The 29-year-old has been on the radar for both clubs this summer as they look to improve their options in defence.
However, according to the Mirror, Newcastle are now leading the race to sign him after West Ham pulled out of the race due to their expectation of him preferring the switch to St James' Park.
One factor which has no doubt increased the interest for the two-time England international is the impending expiry of his current deal with Burnley.
Tarkowski has been at Turf Moor since 2016, joining from Brentford for a fee of £3million.
Since then he has gone on to make his England debut and appear in nearly 200 Premier League games.
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Despite a colossal January spend of £90million, Newcastle are expected to make big signings in the summer market, with Newcastle boss Eddie Howe saying his recruitment team will show "ambition."
While Tarkowski is not the most flashy of signings, his experience and class will no doubt serve to strengthen the spine of Newcastle.
Tarkowski leads the Premier League this season on blocks and aerial duels won and ranks in the top 20 for tackles and interceptions.
The centre-back's current £50,000 per week wages can be significantly increased by Newcastle should he sign for them.
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The clubs new-found riches following their Saudi-backed takeover place them far above West Ham in the financial pecking order.
The Magpies are expected to see an exodus of players this summer in order to facilitate new players into an already over-saturated squad - a situation which will bolter their summer budget further.