In a recent interview with the Telegraph’s Matt Law, Burnley centre-back James Tarkwoski stated that he wants to “play at the highest level”. The 27-year-old, who believes he’s starting to come into his “prime years”, aims to play in the Champions League and an international tournament in the imminent future.
His desire to play European football will certainly bolster Leicester City’s chances of signing the defender. But, Tarkowski has also been a target of West Ham United ahead of the 2020/21 Premier League campaign. The Foxes arguably have a better chance of securing a Champions League place next season. They will be hoping to build on their fifth-placed finish and go one step further this season.
James Tarkowski Dreams of Champions League and International Football Amid Leicester City and West Ham Interest
West Ham Bid £27 Million for James Tarkowski
Leicester will need to react fast if they are willing to sign Tarkowski as West Ham have already submitted a £27 million bid for the centre-back. The Hammers’ initial bid was just over £20 million. However, the sale of Grady Diangana to West Bromwich Albion generated funds for West Ham to increase their offer.
West Ham fans were noticeably angry with the sale of Diangana, who never got much of a chance at the London Stadium. However, the acquisition of Tarkowski would give the Hammers a well-balanced squad ahead of the coming season.
Tarkowski Feels Like a Forgotten Man on the International Stage
Speaking with the Telegraph, Tarkowski indicated that he has been forgotten about by Gareth Southgate. The Burnley defender has previously dismissed that the club’s reputation has hampered his England chances. However, a move to a European football-chasing side would certainly help.
Tarkowski has two caps to his name, but has not been involved with the Three Lions since 2018. He also told the Telegraph that he really fancied his chances of being picked during this international break.
“I expected to be closer than I was. It feels a bit like I’ve been forgotten about and that’s nothing against the lads in front of me.
“I just felt that I had a really good season and the statistics looked in my favour. I was in the team that kept the second-most clean sheets, so defensively I was right up there.
“Other squads, I had accepted I probably wouldn’t be involved. This one was more disappointing than others.”
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