Robinson issues two-word verdict on Tarkowski joining Newcastle as £35m talks held
Newcastle United have “no chance” of signing James Tarkowski from Burnley this month.
That is the view of former Clarets and England goalkeeper Paul Robinson, speaking exclusively to Football Insider about the Magpies’ sustained interest in the 29-year-old.
Newcastle are in the market for two centre-halves this month but have so far failed to land their top targets.
According to Alan Nixon (17 January), Eddie Howe’s side are going to make a fresh move for Tarkowski, having failed to tempt Burnley into selling him earlier in the window.
The centre-half has entered the final six months of his contract at Turf Moor and is refusing to sign a new deal.
When asked by Football Insider‘s Dylan Childs if a mammoth bid could tempt Burnley into selling, Robinson issued a two-word verdict: “No chance”.
He added: “There is no way Burnley will take an offer for Tarkowski.
“They have sold Chris Wood to Newcastle because there was a release clause in his contract that was activated. Tarkowski does not have the same and they don’t have cover in that area.
“Tarkowski and Ben Mee, by their own admissions, have not played as well as they could have this season.
“There is no way Burnley will sell Tarkowski in January, especially not to Newcastle. If Burnley have any chance of staying in the league they need Tarkowski.
“I cannot see any scenario in which they’d accept the money.”
A Newcastle source told Football Insider (19 January) that the club held talks with Monaco yesterday regarding their defender Benoit Badiashile.
The French club are open to selling the 20-year-old, with the Magpies interested in a £35million-plus deal.
In other news, Newcastle told to beat Arsenal to ‘brilliant’ striker signing after confirmed contract news.