Sky Sports: Aston Villa in talks with Burnley defender James Tarkowski ahead of summer move
Aston Villa are in “talks” with Burnley defender James Tarkowski ahead of a move in the summer transfer window, according to reports by Sky Sports.
The England international’s Turf Moor contract expires at the end of June making him a free agent.
Following the Clarets’ relegation to the Championship, a host of Premier League clubs are set to rival the Villans for the 29-year-old’s signature.
West Ham United, Everton, and Leicester City have all previously expressed their interest in securing the centre-back’s signature.
Much like in his playing career Frank Lampard and the Toffees are said to be Steven Gerrard’s biggest rival in landing Tarkowski.
The former Brentford man’s arrival at Villa Park would ease the absence of senior defender Ezri Konsa who is set to be side-lined over the summer and into next season.
Leader.
It would be a great move if Aston Villa can get this over the line. Admittedly, it will be difficult with Everton likely to through a ridiculous amount of money his way in terms of wages.
West Ham is a very attractive option for him as well with them having European football again.
However, neither of those clubs has Gerrard. The pull that the Liverpool legend has is incredible – nobody would have expected it with him being a relatively inexperienced manager but it’s true.
The Villans have already signed several players that they certainly wouldn’t have got without him with Philippe Coutinho and Boubacar Kamara two great examples.
Tarkowski might not be as glamourous as those two but he is the type of player that the Lions need.
He is a leader, a no-nonsense type defender that is horrible to play against that Villa could really do with, with their backline looking somewhat naïve at times this season.
In other Aston Villa news, the Lions have confirmed the signing of French star Boubacar Kamara on a five-year contract.