Sources: West Ham make move to beat Everton to James Tarkowski signing
West Ham have joined Everton in the race to sign James Tarkowski, Football Insider understands.
This site revealed on 30 April that Goodison director of football Kevin Thelwell is a big admirer of the Burnley defender and watched him in his team’s 1-0 win over Wolves last month.
A West Ham source has told Football Insider that David Moyes has signalled his intent to battle his old club for the 29-year-old and they have registered their interest in a deal.
The source explained that Tarkowski is the “perfect Moyes player” and the absence of a transfer fee is seen as ideal for the Hammers.
The England international is out of contract at Turf Moor at the end of the season and has rejected multiple extension offers from Burnley.
That has opened the door on a free transfer as Tarkowski prepares to field offers from multiple Premier League clubs.
The Irons are keen to add another centre-back to their squad in the summer window having failed to do so in January.
Moyes has struggled to field two centre-halves in recent weeks due to suspension and injury.
Tarkowski has made 35 appearances across all competitions in what has been a disappointing season for the Clarets.
The centre-half is currently sidelined with a hamstring injury sustained against Aston Villa on Saturday.
He is expected to miss Burnley's trip to Tottenham on Sunday.