Burnley centre-back James Tarkowski wants to join West Ham this summer, as reported by Football Insider.
The 28-year-old has spent the last five years at Turf Moor, but his time at the club could be coming to an end.
West Ham have reportedly renewed their interest in the defender after having three bids for Tarkowski knocked back by Burnley last year, and this time they may have more luck given that the player is believed to want to join the east London club.
Another factor in West Ham's favour is that Tarkowski is about to enter the final year of his contract, suggesting that Burnley could be more open to selling him on this occasion rather than losing him for free in 2022.
This leaves the question: would Tarkowski be a good signing for the Hammers?
GIVEMESPORT's Sam Brookes, Christy Malyan, Jonathan Gorrie and Joshua Cole express their opinions below...
Sam Brookes
"This would be an excellent signing for the Irons.
"With Fabian Balbuena leaving the club at the end of the month once his contract expires, David Moyes looks to be short of options in central defence as things stand. He needs to bring in a reliable centre-back who can add much-needed quality to the side's back line, and Tarkowski fits that criteria perfectly.
"Having played 159 games in the Premier League, Tarkowski is fully aware of the challenges of England's top division, and he has proven over the years that he belongs at this level. He would likely need very little time to adjust to life at West Ham, and at 28, he is in his prime, ready to make a positive contribution over the coming years."
Christy Malyan
"If I had to name a perfect Moyes signing this summer, it would be James Tarkowski. The Burnley defender is tall, one of the Premier League's most dominant players when it comes to aerial duels and much like many other of his shrewdest signings, for whatever reason appears to be largely unfashionable despite a consistent effectiveness for Burnley.
"The Irons ranked first for goals from set pieces this season and second for aerial duels, and Tarkowski would obviously fit that like a glove. One might even dare call him a higher calibre version of Craig Dawson who, despite making himself a mainstay for the Hammers in the second half of 20/21 with 22 Premier League starts in total is already 31.
"The Burnley man, meanwhile, is only just coming into his peak years as a centre-back at 28."
Jonathan Gorrie
"Absolutely.
"With West Ham gearing up for European football next season, additions to the squad seem necessary.
"As good as Craig Dawson looked at times, the 31-year-old was torn apart by Newcastle United towards the back end of the season as David Moyes' side gave up their Champions League hopes.
"Tarkowski could be an instant upgrade, having averaged more in the way of tackles, clearances and blocks per game last season (via WhoScored), as well as proving far more dominant in the air.
"In order to further tighten things up, the former Brentford man looks a good option."
Joshua Cole
“Whereas the likes of Angelo Ogbonna and Craig Dawson played a major role in West Ham’s success last season, David Moyes may need to bolster his defensive options as they embark on their Europa League quest later this year.
“Taking this into consideration, it would surely be a no-brainer for the Hammers to secure a deal for James Tarkowski who has illustrated in recent seasons that he is more than capable of thriving in the top-flight.
“During the previous campaign, the defender averaged an impressive WhoScored match rating of 7.02 in the top-flight and ranked inside the top five at Burnley for tackles per game (1.8), clearances (4.4 per game) and blocks (1.2 per game).
“Providing that he is able to replicate these displays for the Hammers, there is no reason why the defender cannot prove to be a valuable addition to their squad."