Newcastle have been put on red alert after West Ham boss David Moyes made a decision on top drawer free agent James Tarkowski.
West Ham have reportedly been in a two-horse race with Newcastle to sign Burnley centre-back James Tarkowski in the summer transfer window.
Football journalist Alan Nixon claimed the 29-year-old defender has a straight choice between West Ham and Newcastle when his contract expires at Turf Moor next month.
Central defence is certainly an area where both West Ham boss Moyes and Newcastle manager Eddie Howe must strengthen this summer.
So it tallies that both West Ham and Newcastle are being linked with the powerful, no-nonsense centre-back.
Newcastle will be on red alert then after West Ham boss Moyes made his decision on top drawer free agent Tarkowski.
According to West Ham insiders Claret and Hugh, Moyes is understood to have passed on an option to sign Tarkowski as he targets a younger, left-sided centre back instead – namely Nayef Aguerd.
That will be music to Newcastle’s ears.
The Magpies have been vastly improved under Howe and have already shown signs they can be a serious threat to West Ham and the top six with the right additions this summer.
West Ham are arguably adopting the wiser long-term strategy here, though, by going for the younger player.
Tarkowski turns 30 next season and while there is no doubting he is a solid performer, he has just been relegated with Burnley.
Moyes is making the right call here.
And to think West Ham were being quoted over £50m to sign Tarkowski at one stage. Ridiculous.
For Newcastle it makes sense to now push for Tarkowski.
For West Ham, with Moyes looking to continue to build the Hammers around young, hungry players, moving on from what had become something of a saga is proof the Scot knows what he wants and what he is doing.