

Burnley transfer news: Leicester confident of signing Clarets talisman, Bid rejected for EFL ace
While there hasn’t been the amount of movement at Turf Moor that some fans will have perhaps been hoping for, there has still been plenty of gossip doing the rounds – and it largely concerns two towering centre-halves.
First up, the Mirror report that Leicester City are increasingly hopeful that they can complete a deal to sign James Tarkowski this summer.
The Foxes have supposedly been on his tail for the past two close seasons, but as yet, have been unable to secure his services.
The 28-year-old has made it clear that he does not foresee his future at Turf Moor, however, and with his current deal set to expire in 2022, there is likely to be widespread speculation about a potential exit to come the end of the current campaign.
West Ham are also said to be in the running for the England international, but Brendan Rodgers’ men will offer more lucrative personal terms, and maybe even the prospect of Champions League football, depending on where they finish this term.
Tarkowski leaving would open up a huge void at the back, but Dyche is already looking to bring in a potential replacement.
Burnley have had a bid knocked back for Stoke City’s teenage defender Nathan Collins.
The Clarets are understood to have opened negotiations with a bid of around £4.5 million, but the Potters are holding out for at least £10 million.
The 19-year-old is under contract with the Championship side until 2024 – a fact that strengthens his current employers’ bargaining power.
Standing at a lofty 6ft 3ins tall, Collins is very much a player who looks to fit into Dyche’s mould for a centre-back, but a quick look at his stats this season would suggest that he still has a little way to go before he can match Tarkowski’s output.
The Burnley man has made twice as many clearances per 90 minutes this term, as per Whoscored, and also leads the young Irishman in terms of interceptions, tackles, and blocks per game.
Still, there’s no doubting Collins’ potential, and Burnley could face competition for his signature from Arsenal.
We’ve gathered the rest of today's Premier League transfer speculation below:

1. Sheffield United pull out of Lingard race
Sheffield United have pulled out of the race to sign Jesse Lingard this month. West Ham are now in pole position to seal a loan deal for the Manchester United man. (Football Insider) (Photo by OLI SCARFF/POOL/AFP via Getty Images) Photo: OLI SCARFF

2. AC Milan want Lazaar
AC Milan are interested in signing Newcastle United outcast Achraf Lazaar. The defender is currently negotiating the termination of his contract on Tyneside. (Sportmediaset) (Photo by Charlotte Tattersall/Getty Images) Photo: Charlotte Tattersall

3. Spurs offered Dzeko
Tottenham Hotspur were offered the chance to sign Edin Dzeko this month. The 34-year-old has fallen out of favour with current employers Roma. (Gazzetta dello Sport) (Photo by Paolo Bruno/Getty Images) Photo: Paolo Bruno

4. Orta has soft spot for Buendia
Leeds United director of football Victor Orta has "always liked" Norwich City playmaker Emiliano Buendia. The Whites were linked with a potential move for the Argentine last summer. (The Athletic) (Photo by Stephen Pond/Getty Images) Photo: Stephen Pond