Newcastle United appear to face serious competition from Aston Villa to sign James Tarkowski.
The centre-back is set to become a free agent, with his Burnley contract expiring soon. That’s led to plenty of clubs eyeing his signature, with Everton and Fulham also linked.
Whoever lands Tarkowski will be getting an experienced Premier League defender with international experience. To get someone like that on a free transfer is going to be a real coup.
The race is on, but it’s a race that Newcastle may no longer be able to win.
Newcastle have been keen on James Tarkowski since October
The Magpies have been heavily linked with signing Tarkowski ever since the takeover went through last year.
He was tipped to become PIF’s first signing in January, while the rumours regarding a move to St James’ Park have continued heading into the summer.
The Mirror recently reported that West Ham were out the race for Tarkowski as they expect the 29-year-old to join Newcastle. However, that might be the case.
Aston Villa blow Newcastle out the water with Tarkowski offer
The Daily Mail report that Aston Villa have made a big offer to sign Tarkowski on a free.
He currently earns £60,000-a-week at Turf Moor, and Steven Gerrard’s side are willing to double his wages. The report states they’ve offered Tarkowski around £120,000-a-week to move to Villa Park.
It would be another impressive signing for Villa, who’ve already confirmed deals for Philippe Coutinho and Boubacar Kamara.
If Villa really have offered Tarkowski wages of around £120,000-a-week then Newcastle might suddenly be out of the race.
While the Magpies certainly have the capacity to pay that kind of money, it doesn’t mean they will. And nor should they.
A similar contract offer from Newcatle would make him the Magpies’ highest earner. That honour currently belongs to Bruno Guimaraes, who reportedly earns £120,000-a-week at St James’ Park.
It feels incredibly unlikely that the club would make Tarkowski the best paid player at Newcastle. Therefore, a deal suddenly feels less likely.
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