West Ham must double their bid to land Burnley star

West Ham United will have to almost double their opening bid to stand any chance of landing England international defender James Tarkowski from Burnley. The Hammers first offer was believed to be in the region of £27 million for the Clarets’ star defender.

Leicester City and Crystal Palace have also been monitoring the former Oldham man.

The Lancashire club noted that Bournemouth got £40 million from Manchester City for Nathan Ake and believe their man is worth considerably more.

In any case, Sean Dyche is in no rush to sell the 27-year-old, who has spent the last four years with him and formed a formidable partnership with Ben Mee. 

The England international has made it no secret that he wants to play at the highest level. He said, “For me, with the age I am coming into my prime years and wanting to progress, I want to go for the top level.” 

“I want to play at the best level I can, club football and internationally. I want to test myself against the best. We will see what happens. I just want to play at the top level and if that opportunity came I don’t think it is something I could turn down. 

“Champions League and playing for your country, playing in big tournaments, is playing at the top level, so that’s what I would want to do if the opportunities came.” 

Meanwhile fellow center-back Ben Gibson is relieved his Turf Moor nightmare is over after joining Norwich on a season long loan.

The Clarets' joint record signing was unable to force his way into the reckoning and grew increasingly frustrated at his lack of opportunities. 

Gibson said: “It’s been a really, really tough two years, I won’t hide from that. 

“I’m someone that wears my heart on my sleeve and not someone who sits comfortable and is happy to sit on the bench. 

“I want to play football, that’s why I got involved in the game. 

"That’s what we all dreamed of doing when we were young. 

“I had that opportunity and I felt I was quite successful, but I feel that got taken away from me, as such.

Featured image credits - Sky Sports