Newcastle leading chase for James Tarkowski but will need big offer with Burnley still angry over Chris Wood transfer

NEWCASTLE’S hopes of landing James Tarkowski are rising as their two main rivals back off.

Eddie Howe wants the powerful Burnley centre-half to join his survival fight and will make an offer that tempts the Clarets to let him follow Chris Wood to the Toon.

Burnley are willing to take a bid and the Geordies are the only horse in the race as West Ham are now looking elsewhere while Leicester focus on a short-term loan solution.

But Clarets fans, and manager Sean Dyche, will be unhappy to see another of their bigger names slip away to relegation rivals.

Wood, 30, signed a 2½-year deal after the Magpies activated the £25million clause in his Clarets’ contract.

And he said: “I don’t think anyone ever thought it would be triggered.

“You’re only as good as what the club wants to pay for you. If that’s what Newcastle thought I was worth, then that’s how it is.

FREE BETS: GET OVER £2,000 IN NEW CUSTOMER DEALS

“You never know, in six months you could look back and say it’s a great deal and it would all be worth it.

“In that sense, the number on the deal doesn’t bother me.

“I don’t feel too old — I have a lot more to give and am in the prime of my life.”

Swedish right-back Emil Krafth is willing to stay and fight for his place despite interest from Spanish clubs and Kieran Trippier’s arrival.

Burnley are making a move to sign Welsh veteran Aaron Ramsey on loan from Juventus — but he wanted to join Crystal Palace.

⚽ Read our Transfer News Live blog for the very latest rumours, gossip and done deals