Report: Howe now makes 'gritty' £19.8m-rated warrior a top NUFC target, may earn more than Bruno

The signing of James Tarkowski is reportedly a priority for Newcastle United and Eddie Howe this summer. 

The 29-year-old is available on a free transfer having reached the end of his contract at Burnley, who suffered relegation to the Championship after their 2-1 defeat to the Magpies on the final day. Indeed, journalist Mark Douglas said that the defender’s post-match lap of honour at Turf Moor looked ‘suspiciously like a farewell‘.

Newcastle did sign a centre-back in January, paying Brighton £13m to acquire Dan Burn.

While the Magpies finished 11th in the Premier League table, they were in the bottom six for both expected goals against (62.71) and actual goals against (62).

Football Insider reported that Newcastle have made Tarkowski a ‘top target’ ahead of the summer transfer window, although they do face competition for his signature.

Sources have told the publication that Everton have already gone as far as submitting an offer worth £120,000 per week as they look to win the race for the 29-year-old.

Meanwhile, West Ham United are also said to be watching developments ‘closely’.

You can see why Newcastle view this as a big opportunity.

Tarkowski, who has made nearly 200 Premier League appearances and earned two caps for England, is valued at £19.8m by Transfermarkt but is available on a Bosman deal.

Journalist Jonny Bentley has described him as ‘gritty’ and ‘physical’ and expressed confidence that the Mancunian could deliver ‘for most clubs in the Premier League’.

The Magpies may have to match Everton’s £120,000-a-week offer, though, and that could make the 29-year-old their highest-paid player  – ahead of £100,000-per-week duo Chris Wood and Kieran Trippier, plus another January arrival in £90,000-a-week Bruno