Aston Villa are discussing the possibility of signing Burnley centre-back James Tarkowski, who will become a free agent this summer, according to John Percy of the Daily Telegraph.
The Lowdown: Tarkowski set for summer move
The former England international and current Burnley captain has been a colossus for the Clarets since signing from Brentford in 2016 for £3.6m, as per Transfermarkt.
In that time, he has made 217 appearances for the Turf Moor side, scoring seven goals as well as winning promotion and the Championship title with the club during the 2015/16 in which he joined the club.
The Latest: Reinforcements required
It has been revealed by the Daily Mail that Ezri Konsa, who has played at the back regularly with Tyrone Mings for Villa this season, will be injured for between three and four months, which will no doubt increase Gerrard’s need for defensive reinforcements.
“Steven Gerrard wants to sign a new centre-back this summer (this was the plan before Ezri Konsa’s injury, which Villa hope is not as bad as first feared). Burnley’s James Tarkowski is a free agent this summer and has been discussed, but options on the position are open,” the ever-reliable journalist tweeted.
Whilst Tarkowski is clearly an option, Percy’s tweet would suggest that there are multiple different centre-back alternatives for the club being explored, with Gerrard keen to bolster his centre-back options.
The Verdict: No-brainer
With Villa’s defence being well renowned for shedding goals this campaign, as well as the fact that one of their first-choice centre-backs in Konsa is set to miss the beginning of next season, it would be a wise move for the West Midlands outfit to pursue Tarkowski.
The current Burnley defender, who has been described as being “solid as a rock” by reporter Alex James, would likely be an upgrade on any of Villa’s defenders and would bring experience and leadership, in one of the younger sides in the league.
Considering he is valued at £19.8m by Transfermarkt, he could be an absolute bargain on a free transfer this off-season.