West Ham-linked James Tarkowski certain to leave Burnley - report

West Ham target James Tarkowski is almost certain to leave Burnley in the near future, according to reports from The Athletic.

The report claims that the 28-year-old defender has made it clear to the club about his desire to move on.

He has a contract at the club till the end of the season, and the Clarets are at the risk of losing him for free.

The vastly experienced defender wants a new challenge and only “extreme situation” can change his mind. His departure is “imminent”.

Boost

The news will come as a massive boost for West Ham.

Earlier this week, the Evening Standard reported that Tarkowski is keen on a move to West Ham, with David Moyes thought to be his keen admirer.

He is valued at around £20 million by the Clarets but they may have to reduce their asking price. Certainly, West Ham are not going to pay that figure for a player who will be a free agent in a few months’ time.

He is an experienced defender who in theory would compliment Kurt Zouma perfectly.

West Ham could be in the market for a new defender following the injury to Angelo Ogbonna, and Tarkowski could be a very good signing for them.

Keith Andrews, covering a Burnley game for Sky Sports in 2017, described him as “sensational”, and it seems a potential move in January could be on the cards.

Moyes will be delighted should a deal be concluded, with Tarkowski clearly ticking all the boxes to succeed in the heart of defence at the London Stadium.

In other West Ham news, we think that the Hammers should go all out and sign this 20-year-old striker.