Newcastle United are likely to go into next season with Dan Burn, Jamaal Lascelles and Fabian Schar at centre-back as Ciaran Clark and Federico Fernandez are surplus to requirements, so Eddie Howe could do with one more defender to ensure he has cover in every position.
The Magpies have shown an interest in Aston Villa’s Tyrone Mings, LOSC Lille’s Sven Botman and wanted Diego Carlos before he left Sevilla, but now Burnley’s James Tarkowski is on their radar. The 29-year-old is a free transfer after running his contract down at Turf Moor, so he wouldn’t cost Newcastle a penny to sign.
Paul Robinson believes Tarkowski would be a brilliant purchase for the Toon Army, telling Football Insider: “Tarky is a very good player. He has been clever running his contract down. It has worked out well for him. He will get the move that he wants.
“He would be best suited as a ball playing centre-half at Newcastle, Everton, West Ham or Aston Villa. He will be a great acquisition for somebody on a free.” The England international joined Burnley from Brentford in 2016 and has gone on to make 219 appearances in all competitions, scoring seven goals with five assists.
Tarkowski made 37 appearances across the board in his final season at Burnley but couldn’t keep them in the Premier League. The 29-year-old looks set to stay in the top-flight without the Clarets, however, as numerous sides are keen on his signature.
In other news, Newcastle told to sign ‘fantastic’ Ivan Toney
