According to new reports, Newcastle United have been told to forget about signing James Tarkowski in January.
The Northern Echo claim that Burnley have now made it clear the centre-back won’t be leaving this winter, insisting they’d rather lose him on a free next summer than sell him to a relegation rival.
Tarkowski has been identified as a ‘leading target’ by the Saudi-backed consortium, with the need for defensive reinforcements appearing to be top of our shopping list after conceding 30 goals in our opening 14 games this season.
The same piece states that we will still make a formal offer for the 29-year-old next month, testing the resolve of Burnley’s new owners, however it seems Dyche has made it crystal clear to those above him that he must not be sold at any price.
The England international has rejected a recent contract offer at Turf Moor, despite the fact it would make him the ‘highest-paid player in the club’s history’.
It’s said Newcastle would better that offer, although that means little, as far as January is concerned, if Burnley would rather lose him for free at the end of the season than accept any bids this winter.
Money talks and player power could make a difference here, however it seems we may have to look elsewhere in our immediate search for a new centre-back.
