Report: Irons back out of defender chase

West Ham have dropped out of the chase to sign James Tarkowski from Burnley, a report from The Daily Mirror has claimed.

The Irons have held an interest in signing Tarkowski previously and actually made a bid in 2020.

However, the report now claims that the Hammers expect the centre-back to instead move to Newcastle United this summer.

The Magpies are set to hand him a huge pay rise as he is currently earning £50,000-per-week at Turf Moor.

The Irons are now set to explore other options and are interested in a deal to sign Rennes defender Nayef Aguerd.

A top Hammers insider has confirmed that the club are interested in a swoop for the centre-back, who would cost around £20m in the summer.

David Moyes has been promised funds to improve the squad in the summer and is set to have around £150m to spend when the window opens at the end of the season.