West Ham: 'Long-term David Moyes target' could finally arrive at London Stadium

James Tarkowski has been a long-term target for West Ham manager David Moyes, according to journalist Pete O’Rourke.

The £19.8m-rated centre-back is out of contract at Turf Moor this summer and he isn’t expected to extend his stay with the Clarets.

West Ham have been keen on the Burnley defender since they launched three bids back in 2020.

Having only narrowly avoided relegation in the Covid-hit campaign, the Hammers boss was hoping to strengthen a defence that were breached 62 times in the Premier League.

But Burnley stood firm and knocked back each of West Ham’s bids, and eventually Tarkowski stayed in Lancashire.

Despite failing in their attempts to sign him previously, Moyes’ side remained keen on him in January, and could make a final bid to bring him to the London Stadium this summer, when he’ll be available for nothing.

The departure of Sean Dyche, who all-but one of Tarkowski’s 188 top-flight appearances came under, could influence his decision to stay at Burnley next season, as could the result of their battle against relegation.

He told GIVEMESPORT: “So I’m sure all focus will be to bring in a centre back this summer window, especially with the likes of a Zouma and Ogbonna injured, so West Ham will definitely need to add a bit of depth to the squad and centre-back has been an area where maybe they lack numbers.”

“Tarkowski has been a long-term target for Moyes. Obviously he’s out of contract at Burnley, so he would be a good free transfer signing.

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With Tarkowski a proven defender at Premier League level, and available on a free, he’s unlikely to be short of potential suiters ahead of the summer window.

Along with West Ham, the centre-back is