Sean Dyche has reiterated that he has no intention of letting James Tarkowski leave Turf Moor. But Dyche is determined to keep the centre half, no matter what.
Sean Dyche said “There’s nothing going on. I’ve got no other thoughts than him being in our plans. That’s certainly my take on it and certainly my strong advice to the chairman and the board. We want the players that have done so well here to be here. We think that can help to continue the journey in the Premier League, quite obviously, having good players here. We don’t need the finance so therefore we’re in good shape to tick all the boxes that keep players at football clubs and keep playing well. With all fit, Jimmy Dunne has done enough in the lockdown period and playing the other day to at least show us what he’s about. And Longy’s done well over a number of years here. Obviously Tarky and Ben have kind of got a relationship and been very solid and I think that’s a decent group of centre backs and long may it continue. You want those centre halves here. We can’t make massive changes, but we might have James Tarkowski back again,” said the Burnley manager. He’s got a chance, Barnesy (Ashley Barnes) is making really good progress, scored a couple for the Under 23s (on Monday), and he certainly looks like he’s getting closer. Johann (Berg Gudmundsson) won’t be days, but it could have been very serious, Ben Mee is not there yet, but making good progress, and Corky (Jack Cork) is behind them. So there are some more positive signs – we do need them fit as quickly as possible, but in a fashion where they can continue and affect us.”
TDyche has been without Tarkowski in the two games so far because of a toe injury, but is hopeful he will be fit to face Millwall in the Carabao Cup third round tonight. The defender was the subject of failed offers from West Ham United, with Burnley rejecting bids of up to £30million for the England international. Leicester City are believed to still be monitoring Tarkowski’s situation.