Tarka The Offer! £33 Million Seals Deal

West Ham United's pursuit of James Tarkowski is going the way of many 'big ticket' deals as both parties jockey for position with offer and counter offer, and now it appears a compromise might be reached on the selling club's asking price. Mindful that Tarkowski's £50 Million release clause will not be met by ANY club, Burnley have opted for the best they can get in the current Covid-19 affected market, with prices up to 40% down compared to last year

West Ham's initial bid of £23 Million was knocked back instantly, but there was enough 'meat on the table' for Burnley to 'request' further dialogue, at this point the situation became more complex because Leicester City, flush with cash from player sales, made enquiries regarding the midfielders availability. Sean Dyche did what all good managers would do by insisting the player is a key part of his set up and that any representations would have to factor in the player's importance to the club, this 'statement' of policy was obviously designed to bump the price up, and it has!

Hammers returned with a £27 Million bid which DID get considered by the Burnley board who ultimately have control of transfers, unfortunately Leicester City spoiled the party by matching the offer, this was not what David Moyes wanted. Entering in to a bidding war for a player is the last thing he wanted, bearing in mind the 'microscopic' transfer Kitty he has available to use.

The toing and froing between all parties has continued at a relentless pace, however the break through came when West Ham's next offer proved too rich for Leicester, an offer of £30 Million was enough to 'bounce' the opposition but still not enough to convince Dyche to part with one of his most valuable assets, the Burnley board think otherwise and have made it known that they are prepared to do business.

As with all deals of this nature, the final fee including add ons and sell ons will probably get a 'UF' notice, the term undisclosed fee is commonly used in transfers because club's can legally manipulate how and when payments are made, it also ensures confidentiality and enables the buying and selling club to 'save face'.

£30 Million should have sealed the deal, but the request for a further 10% has rather complicated the issue, this hiking of the price is perfectly normal but will not help in the speedy expedition of the transfer, in other words it might drag on and on which actually will suit neither party in reality. Dyche will want to use the money from the sale to make player acquisitions as soon as poosible in order to integrate them in to his squad, and likewise David Moyes will want as much time as possible with his new player in order to integrate him in to the squad.

Further developments are all on hold waiting for the deal to either happen or not, if it does go through then you can bet your bottom dollar that Issa Diop will be on his way. Jose Mourinho is a known admirer of the French centre back however a deal with Tottenham is highly unlikely due to the bad blood between both clubs. It is worth noting that West Ham spokespeople have been very careful with their terminology regarding players available for transfer, the "Grady Diangana was sold because we had so many other players available to cover that position" statement was clearly designed to pave the way for further outgoings, so by citing a surfeit of players in one position, a similar situation is likely to evolve as happened with Grady Diangana.

The club will be able to say " Issa Diop was superfluous to the squad, because we now have enough centre backs following the arrival of James Tarkowski", and if West Ham do end up paying the £33 Million Burnley are asking for it might not just be Issa Diop who will be the sacrificial lamb because there is still a massive need for at least one additional full back, preferably two, Oh and the need for a back up striker for when Big Mich 'The Beast' Antonio picks up his inevitable hamstring injury! - Ed