Internal discussions held: Villa now eyeing bargain move for 'outstanding' player

Aston Villa are once again being linked with a move for Burnley central defender James Tarkowski, according to a report from The Telegraph. 

Recently, Midlands journalist Josh Holland told Give Me Sport that Villa could make a move for Tarkowski as Steven Gerrard looks to add leaders to the squad over the summer.

Set to become a free agent in July (Transfermarkt), the 29-year-old has also been extensively linked with Newcastle United and West Ham previously.

As the end of a six-year affinity with Turf Moor comes into view, the next move for the twice-capped England international is in the spotlight…

As per reputable journalist John Percy on Twitter and in a more recent report from his colleagues for The Telegraph, it’s suggested that Gerrard wants to bring Tarkowski to Villa Park.

Following an injury to Ezri Konsa, the Burnley man ‘has been discussed’ at Villa as a possible target in order to address a problem area in Gerrard’s squad.

Now safe from relegation, Everton have also been linked with the man hailed as ‘outstanding’ by former Burnley manager Sean Dyche.

Boasting 193 Premier League appearances and a no-nonsense approach to defending, adding a player of the £19.8million valued Tarkowski’s vast experience to the squad without the need for a transfer fee would be a masterstroke from Aston Villa.

This season, the combative Englishman has earned a superb 7.17 Sofascore rating whilst winning 6.8 duels and making 5.3 clearances per game and helping Burnley towards seven clean sheets, further proof of a well-rounded defensive acumen.

Prominent aerially (WhoScored), Tarkowski would provide an added weapon to Gerrard’s ranks, particularly for a manager who has developed an early reputation for allowing defenders the