Soon to meet on the final day of the Premier League season, speculation continues to gather surrounding the imminent future of Burnley stalwart James Tarkowski. The 29-year-old has enjoyed a terrific climb up the English footballing pyramid, beginning his career with now soon to be non-league outfit Oldham Athletic.
A two year stint with Brentford then followed, before establishing himself as one of the Clarets most consistence performers since his move to Lancashire back in 2016. But with his current side perhaps heading for another stint in the second tier next season, dangling precariously above the drop zone still, much discussion has been made over his future.
Newcastle and West Ham are said to be closely monitoring the players situation at Turf Moor, given the England international is rumoured to have declared he will not be signing a new deal, irrespective of what division the club finds itself in.
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With wages of around £50k a week to contend with, the Magpies could perhaps see the Burnley ace as a solid upgrade for the likes of Fabian Schar and Jamaal Lascelles.
But with his stars aligning this weekend, as Eddie Howe's side travel to Turf Moor bidding to end the season on a high, his opportune moment could soon be a telling sign. Rumoured to be fit for the clash against United and perhaps ready to partner Nathan Collins in the heart of defence, much will be made of his performance no doubt.
With money no objective given the recent takeover, the lure of playing in the Toon has never been greater, with Tarkowski's bread and butter if you will, defending for his life. Of course that's not to say Newcastle will not hit the market in search of an establishing centre back this summer, but with the Burnley man, you know what you're going to get.
Turf Moor will have to be at its best given the permutations surrounding relegation at present, with Leeds and Everton still not out of the woods entirely either. Howe will no doubt study how the capped England defender will cope, in an audition for his services, as the transfer rumours intensifies, with much more still yet to be decided.
