West Ham are into a waiting game for James Tarkowski and hopefully two other defenders as the Hammers head towards their next Premier League clash against Wolves at the weekend.
Burnley – knowing there are just 24 months left on the contract of their 27-year-old defender – are believed to still be weighing up whether they can afford to keep the player in face of a £35 million offer.
It would mean that were they to hold onto him until January they would get a reduced offer given his contract expires in June 2022 and that’s what is concentrating minds in the Turf Moor boardroom.
One thing is for sure the deal is not dead as with the Clarets having a pay ceiling of around £35k a week on players the central defender can expect to pick up at least another £20k a week at the London Stadium.
There’s room in the wage budget following the departures of Zabaleta, Sanchez, Roberto, Albian Ajeti and Jordan Hugill.
Moyes has already indicated that he could strengthen across the entire backline but it’s likely that there will be loan signings arriving rather than three or four permanent signings.
I think Tarkowski is all part of a plan to move to a 3-5-2 or 3-4-3 formation more regularly. That’s perhaps why Moyes is making Tarkowski such an important target over any full backs as wing backs will be more needed. He perhaps feels (as do I) that Fredericks and Masuaku could be better players in these more advanced wing back positions.
Tarkowski, Rice, and Ogbonna back three. Masuaku, Cullen, Soucek, Fornals, Bowen across the middle, and Haller and Antonio up front. Not too shabby!!
Some outlets are already saying this deal is dead in the water so who should we believe as the transfer window clock ticks down?.Fact remains we cannot keep conceding 2 goals every match.
I agree with Alan, Moyes showed in the Arsenal game that he wants to play with a back three which is why he’s so keen to bring in a player like Tarkowski. It makes the best use of players like Masuaku and Fredericks even Johnson who are all better attacking as wing backs than defending.
Shame Antonio never wanted to play as wing back. If he was just an ounce more defencively minded he could have been world class in that position.
I also agree with Alan, as if you remember when Moyes was last with us he played this formation with Masuaku playing really well feeding Anoutavic with some great crosses. We also looked very strong at the back at times, so I think he is doing just that.
More talking..no signings…another week slips by
So Hugh , KUMB are reporting the deal is dead as we won’t reach their valuation ! What are your sources saying . I would love to know the views of your sources and your own opinions . For me Tarkowski would be a great signing & improve us immediately IMO
Well one things for sure.If someone was offering me an extra 20,000 a week to play football somewhere else,I would move in a West Ham heartbeat.
Forget him.
Buy Rudiger.
Simple.
The price is just too high, there must be better value out there. We found Soucek for £15 million, reckon he is a bargain compared with Tarkowski.