Tarkowski may mean difference between relegation and survival for West Ham

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West Ham United have reportedly been joined in the race for James Tarkowski by Leicester City in a big blow for David Moyes.

According to a report from The Daily Star over the weekend, Brendan Rodgers is ready to reignite interest in the Burnley man and is preparing to offer £30 million.

It comes after West Ham had reportedly tabled £20 million plus add-ons (Telegraph).

News of Leicester’s entry into the race has frustrated Irons supporters, who are seriously worried about the fate of their club next year given the lack of activity in the transfer window so far.

Central defence is an area of concern, and Moyes only has Issa Diop, Angelo Ogbonna and Fabian Balbuena at his disposal.

Put simply, a move for a quality player at the back – specifically Tarkowski – could genuinely mean the difference between relegation and survival for the club in 2020.

TBR’s View – Tarkowski needed badly

West Ham have just sold – rather controversially – Grady Diangana for a reported £20 million (Daily Mail) against Moyes’ wishes.

The board are therefore now under added pressure to deliver for their manager, and Tarkowski is someone the Hammers need in their team.

The £50,000-a-week star (Spotrac) has proven to be outstanding business by Burnley after the Clarets signed him from Brentford in 2016.

He has clocked up 123 appearances in the Premier League and also has a couple of England caps, further underlining his ability.

The star is simply solid and dependable, which is exactly the kind of character West Ham need marshalling their defence.

Some serious negotiation with Burnley is required, but West Ham’s fate could well depend on such a transfer.