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West are reportedly expected to make a second bid in an attempt to try sign English defender James Tarkowski from Premier League rivals Burnley.

According to the Telegraph, the Hammers saw an opening offer of £20million with huge add-ons for the centre-back turned down by Burnley.

It is claimed that manager David Moyes is keen to add defenders to his squad and Tarkowski is believed to be a “priority target” during this summer transfer window.

The report explains that West Ham are set to return with another move for the 27-year-old, but Burnley boss Sean Dyche will be reluctant to allow his exit from Turf Moor this summer.

Tarkowski, who earns £50,000-a-week (Spotrac), is one of the main leaders in the Burnley team that makes them so solid at the back and he’s got to be one of the most underrated centre-backs in the top-flight.

The powerhouse defender didn’t miss a single minute in the Premier League last season and his quality has seen him rewarded with two England caps to date.

TBR’s View:

West Ham should perhaps look to strengthen other areas of the pitch first before turning any attention to a centre-back, but the possibility of signing Tarkowski should excite fans and give them some joy during a stressful time that has seen many fume at the sale of Grady Diangana to West Brom.

Tarkowski has proven he’s certainly top-flight quality with his physical presence in the Burnley backline and is adored for his old fashioned approach, where he’s willing to put his body on the line and is brilliant in the air.

He should soon be entering the peak years of his career and perhaps a transfer to a bigger club makes sense now, albeit West Ham have a lot to improve to get themselves up the league table.