Newcastle United news: This could be real reason for James Tarkowski snubbing West Ham after source’s reveal – pundit
Noel Whelan has claimed the “exciting” Newcastle project may have persuaded James Tarkowski to reject West Ham and European football next season.
The former Leeds striker, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, suggested the 29-year-old ticks all the boxes with the Magpies vying to sit at the top table of English football in the coming years.
According to the Daily Mirror (13 May), West Ham are set to end their interest in Tarkowski as they “expect” him to join mega-rich Newcastle this summer.
The report claims Eddie Howe is desperate for a new centre-back and can offer the soon-to-be unattached defender big wages to join the Tyneside club.
As quoted by Chronicle Live (13 May), Howe suggested too many incomings could have a “negative effect” on his squad – a possible hint ahead of the summer window.
Whelan admitted the process of moving up the table will be “gradual” but insisted joining the Magpies is a “great prospect”.
“It’s a really exciting building process for Newcastle this summer,” he told Football Insider‘s Ewan Kingsbury.
“They won’t be expecting to finish in the top six next season, I’m sure – it’s all about the long term.
“Eddie Howe has done a fantastic job both on the pitch with his set-up and with the players he has brought in. They need to keep getting their recruitment spot on now.
“They’re going to be strong, and I can definitely see Tarkowski fitting into that. He’s a top Premier League centre-back, experienced, international player – and he’s available on a free transfer.
“The project is just so enticing at Newcastle. They’re planning to gradually move into the top tier of clubs, and it’s very hard to turn something like that down.
“It’ll take time, it’s a gradual process, but it is a great prospect.”
In other news, Man United hijack deal for Newcastle target Sven Botman.