According to reports, Liverpool are favourites to sign Burnley defender James Tarkowski in the ongoing summer transfer window.
The 25-year-old enjoyed a fine season with the Clarets, making 31 appearances and guiding the club to a place in the Europa League play-offs. However, his impressive form was not enough to get a place in the England squad for this summer’s World Cup.
Despite breaking the bank for defender Virgil van Dijk in January, Liverpool are in need of another central defender. Ragnar Klavan, Joel Matip and Dejan Lovren continue to display inconsistency and if the Reds are to challenge for trophies, Jurgen Klopp must find a reliable partner for van Dijk.
If Tarkowski joins Liverpool this summer, here are three replacements Sean Dyche should target.
Pontus Jansson (Leeds United)
The Swedish central defender initially joined Leeds on loan from Torino in the summer of 2016 and made the move permanent last year. Since joining Leeds, Jansson has become a cult hero.
Strong and powerful, Jansson is a tough-tackling defender known for his high work-rate and leadership qualities. Although his performances were a tad lacklustre last term, the brick-nutting centre-back is an established player in the current Whites team.
There is no doubt that Jansson is one of the best defenders in the Championship and he would certainly be a fantastic replacement for Tarkowski at Burnley.
Alfie Mawson (Swansea City)
Mawson, who joined Swansea from Barnsley in 2016, has been rock-solid for the Welsh outfit in recent times. He could not save them from relegation but he made 44 appearances last season, scoring three goals.
Should Tarkowski leave for Liverpool, Burnley will be in desperate need of defensive additions ahead of the next season. In Mawson, Dyche will get a commanding and solid centre-back with a decent amount of Premier League experience.
Hence, Burnley should consider a deal for Mawson.
Ahmed Hegazi (West Brom)
West Brom have gotten relegated to the Championship and it was undoubtedly a forgettable season for the Baggies. However, one player managed to dish out impressive displays throughout the campaign.
Ahmed Hegazi moved to the Hawthorns from Al Ahly originally on loan in the summer of 2017, before making his switch a permanent one just five months later. The 27-year-old went on to enjoy an impressive debut season in the Premier League and he would surely prove to be an asset for Burnley.
After suffering relegation with the Baggies, Hegazi would be available for a cut-price deal. The Egyptian may not be the most exciting signing but he may well prove to be one of the shrewdest signings the Clarets secure this summer.
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