Aston Villa 'favourites' to win James Tarkowski transfer battle

Aston Villa have been named as the "early favourites" to sign Burnley defender James Tarkowksi.

The England international is set to become a free agent this summer as his contract at Turf Moor comes to an end. Following the Clarets’ relegation from the Premier League, several top-flight clubs have been credited with holding an interest in signing Tarkowski.

Steven Gerrard ’s side have been listed among them, with Villa being the early frontrunners in the transfer market. Philippe Coutinho’s permanent move from Barcelona was confirmed earlier this month and was followed by Marseille midfielder Boubacar Kamara, the day after the season had come to an end.

It was also confirmed on Thursday that Villa had reached an agreement with Sevilla for centre-back Diego Carlos. However, the club are being tipped to bring further defensive reinforcements to Villa Park.

Villa have been labelled the “early favourites” to sign Tarkowski by The Athletic . The report states that Everton are interested in the Burnley centre-back, while Newcastle have also been linked, but all clubs are claimed to face “substantial competition” from Villa for the 29-year-old’s signature.

It has previously been suggested that Villa had ‘opened talks’ over a potential move, prior to announcing the club’s agreement with Diego Carlos. It was also claimed by the Daily Mail that Villa had offered to double Tarkowski’s wages in an attempt to get ahead of their transfer rivals.

In addition to the incoming Diego and the reports surrounding Tarkowski, the club have also been linked with a potential move for Rangers defender Calvin Bassey. The Villa boss gave an insight into his transfer dealings at the weekend, having been in attendance at the Champions