A month or so ago, David Moyes’ side was in dire need of a centre-back, and according to Claret and Hugh, the Scot was ready to part with £5 million sterling for James Tarkowski.
To keep their European hopes alive, the Hammers had to get a stand in for Angelo Ogbonna, who’s been out all season and then out with hamstring troubles, Kurt Zuma.
But with Zuma back, Moyes’ squad can do just fine, at least for another half a year until Tarkowski’s contract with bottom-placed Burnley expires. The Evening Standard has associated the 29-year old with a London Stadium move since last year, but Burnley’s insane 20 million asking price this January might have halted Moyes’ pursuit.
Are the Hammers uninterested in Tarkowski? Absolutely not. There just seems to be a better deal that West Ham await to take advantage of; the Englishman’s contract expires in the summer, so leave alone the 5 million that David initially wanted to spend…he could spend nothing.
The Londoners’ unwillingness to pay so much for a player whose contract is almost over is understandable and smart. But they could only hope and ensure that, with James’ caliber, no other big club or willing spenders would beat them to that signature come the awaited summer.
