Aston Villa ‘favourites’ to sign Burnley defender James Tarkowski

Aston Villa are reportedly leading the race to sign Burnley centre half James Tarkowski.

According to The Athletic, Villa are the ‘early favourites’ to sign Tarkowski, who has won two caps for England.

Tarkowski is out of contract this summer and is unlikely to stay at Turf Moor following Burnley’s relegation from the Premier League.

Newcastle United and Everton have also been linked with the defender following the Clarets’ relegation to the Championship.

The report states that Everton are also ‘one of several’ clubs interested in Tarkowski.

Meanwhile, former Liverpool left-back and teammate of Steven Gerrard, Jose Enrique, believes the centre half would be the ‘perfect’ signing for Newcastle amid interest from Villa.

Enrique, who played alongside the Villa boss at Anfield, went on to suggest that, as a player, he would choose a move to Newcastle over Birmingham due to the Magpies size and potential under new ownership.

This is despite the claret and blue recently confirming the signing of Diego Carlos from Sevilla after the Brazilian was strongly linked with a move to St James’ Park in January.

“Tarkowski, a centre-back, on a free, he’ll be a very good signing,” Enrique told bettingexpert.

“Wages wise, they’ll pay him well. Aston Villa want him as well so I’m not sure what will happen there.

“I feel sorry for Stevie but the reality is, if I have Aston Villa and Newcastle, I’ll go to Newcastle with the players that they have and the club that they have.

“I think it’s massive. If he has both options, definitely I’d go to Newcastle.”

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