"I would be amazed" – Transfer insider drops big Newcastle transfer claim involving £70k-p/w star

Transfer insider Dean Jones would be "amazed" if Burnley allow Newcastle to sign James Tarkowski before the window shuts.

Chris Wood has already swapped Turf Moor for St James' Park this month, but Jones doesn't expect the Burnley hierarchy to let lightning strike twice.

Tarkowski's future in Lancashire has been uncertain for some time. He was linked with a move to West Ham in the summer of 2020, while the England centre-back was the subject of interest from the Hammers 12 months later.

Meanwhile, Newcastle's interest came about after their takeover, with the Telegraph almost immediately reporting that the 29-year-old, who's contract at Burnley expires this summer, would become PIF's first signing.

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Newcastle have been heavily linked with the likes of Sven Botman and Diego Carlos in recent weeks, although they're still keen on signing Tarkowski, who's likely to be available on the cheap given he's entered the final six months of his deal.

But having already pinched Wood from one of their main relegation rivals, Jones doesn't expect Burnley to let Tarkowski, who earns £70,000 per-week, follow the striker to St James' Park.

He told GIVEMESPORT: "I would be amazed if after losing Chris Wood, they let Tarkowski go there as well, unless they set the price as ridiculous, and Newcastle end up paying it."

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As Jones alluded to, it's extremely unlikely that Burnley will allow another one of their best players to leave for a direct rival. Regardless of the fee, if they sell Tarkowski to Newcastle, they're almost accepting relegation in exchange for some cash.

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