West Ham to make final £7m transfer bid for James Tarkowski in bid to tempt Burnley to sell defender
WEST HAM boss David Moyes will make a final bid to sign Burnley defender James Tarkowski.
But the Hammers chief has drawn up a B list of alternatives that features Liverpool’s forgotten men Nat Phillips and Ben Davies, who is out on loan at Sheffield United.
Moyes is keen to land Tarkowski whose contract is running out.
But the Clarets will still be holding out for big money as they fight to stay in the Premier League.
West Ham are expected to try their luck at around £6m or £7m — but that may not be enough to tempt Sean Dyche’s club to deal.
Dyche is eager to retain the England international’s services but has refused to be drawn on his contract situation.
Earlier this month, he said: “Especially in modern football, contracts are a different ball-game.
“Twenty years ago, players signed a contract and six months later, they’re sold.
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“All I would say about James is that he’s a fantastic professional, he has been since he’s been here and he continues to be.
“His form this season has been absolutely top drawer.”
The Hammers are also checking into Phillips, 24, who has been out of the Kop squad since his heroics at the end of last season.
Phillips, who has slipped back into the Anfield shadows, can go for a bargain fee or even possibly a loan.
He would be ideal cover for the injured Angelo Ogbonna.
Davies, 26, is another option. He is on loan at Blades from Liverpool but that could be broken off if a better offer comes in either on loan or as a buy.
West ham will be back in action this afternoon, travelling to the Etihad to take on defending Premier League champions Manchester City.
Relegation battlers Burnley, meanwhile, will welcome Tottenham to Turf Moor.
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