Jose Enrique has tipped former club Newcastle United to beat Steven Gerrard's Aston Villa to the signing of James Tarkowski.
The established Premier League defender has been with Burnley since 2016 making over 190 appearances and scoring seven goals for the club, making him one of the key men under Sean Dyche. But with the season over, rumours have been circulating him and his departure from Burnley.
With the Clarets relegated to the Championship on the last day of the season Tarkowski is likely to be heading for the exit with his contract expiring this summer.
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Former Newcastle left-back Enrique thinks landing the centre-back would be a "perfect signing" for the Magpies. “He would be a great signing. They need a centre-back who’s experienced in the Premier League. He is the perfect centre-back for Newcastle. Perfect," he told bettingexpert.
However, he also mentioned he would feel sorry for his ex-Liverpool team-mate and now-Aston villa manager Gerrard.
"I feel sorry for Stevie (Steven Gerrard) but the reality is, if I have Aston Villa and Newcastle, I’ll go to Newcastle with the players that they have and the club that they have," he added. “I think it’s massive. If he has both options, definitely I’d go to Newcastle.”
The 29-year-old's contract is to run out in the summer and with the likes of Everton also in the running to sign Tarkowski, it will be very tough competition for Eddie Howe 's Newcastle to get the deal done.
Speaking recently, Tarkowski hinted he was on his way out at Turf Moor. “It’s a shame it’s finished this way. I’m sure the club will bounce back,” he told BBC 5 Live.
