According to Lancs Live, James Tarkowski is said to be a target for West Ham, despite offers for him being rejected. The Hammers pursued the Burnley star but their offers were short of the Clarets’ valuation.
The Hammers have started this season rather well and one reason for that has been Moyes’ change in formation. A switch to a 3-4-3 has allowed him more defensive solidity through the middle, freeing up the wing-backs to join the attack. Surprisingly, the likes of Fabian Balbuena, Angelo Ogbonna and Aaron Cresswell have kept Issa Diop out of the side.
However, with Arthur Masuaku being ruled out for an unknown period of time, it has lightened the defensive ranks a bit. Without Masuaku, playing a back-three looks difficult and adding another quality central defender looks to be David Moyes’ priority.
James Tarkowski has opened up all sorts of speculation regarding his future with just 18 months to go on his contract. The 28-year-old Burnley man wanted to leave the club in order to progress further in his career. This meant that a whole host of clubs went after him last summer only for the club to rebuff their efforts.
James Tarkowski has been a rock in the last couple of seasons as Burnley have built a reputation of being one of the most robust teams to break down. His rugged defending and dogged tackling make for some of the best things for a Premier League defender to have.
The Burnley man looks like a huge upgrade on the likes of Fabian Balbuena, Angelo Ogbonna, Craig Dawson and Issa Diop. He is at an age where he can take the mantle of leadership in defence. These are his peak years as a player and West Ham would be wise to take advantage of his situation at Burnley.