The Athletic’s Roshane Thomas has recently discussed the transfer link between Burnley’s James Tarkowski and West Ham United.
In recent days, it has been widely reported that the Hammers are chasing the English central defender as David Moyes is looking to bolster his defensive line.
One of the latest reports from The Telegraph has claimed that the Irons have raised their offer for the player to £30m after a bid worth up to £27m was rejected by the Clarets.
However, a report from Football Insider on Tuesday stated that Burnley value the 27-year-old Englishman at £35m despite wanting £50m for him prior to the global pandemic.
So, in the latest episode of The Athletic’s U Irons podcast, Thomas discussed the transfer link with Tarkowski and aired his thoughts on the player.
He said: “If we do get him, in my opinion, West Ham automatically become a top-10 team. I’m saying it right now: if we get Tarkowski, they become a top-10 team.
“If you think about Virgil van Dijk prior to him joining Liverpool – they were a good team, but they just needed that calm presence, that leader in defence and I feel like that’s what West Ham’s lacking right now.
“I rate him highly, I think he’s that guy. Issa Diop is good but, for me, he’s just too inconsistent. He’ll chip in with a goal every now and then, but we need that leader, that presence alongside [Angelo] Ogbonna.
“It’s not looking promising right now, that’s for sure. Leicester City are also interested in Tarkowski, and we’re led to believe that Burnley value Tarkowski at £50m.”
TIF Thoughts…
As stated by the journalist, he believes that Tarkowski can make the Irons a top-10 side, however, he does not rate their chances of signing the defender highly.
Do you think James Tarkowski will be a West Ham player by the end of the transfer window?
No, it's won't happen
Yes, I think it's possible
Following their reported improved offer of £30m, though, it does seem as though Moyes is keen on trying to bring Tarkowski to the London Stadium.
The 27-year-old centre-back was the Clarets’ best-rated player during the 2019/20 Premier League season with a 7.19/10 average rating (per WhoScored), so, it is clear to see why Thomas rates him so highly.