West Ham United back in with improved offer for Burnley defender James Tarkowski?

Yves Bissouma of Brighton and Hove Albion controls the ball past James Tarkowski of Burnley during the Premier League match between Burnley FC and Brighton & Hove Albion at Turf Moor on July 26, 2020 in Burnley, England. (Photo by Richard Heathcote/Getty Images)

West Ham United manager David Moyes is believed to have stepped up his interest in Burnley defender James Tarkowski with an improved £30m offer.

The Hammers are reportedly keen to get the England centre back in before their Premier League opener against Newcastle United at the London Stadium on Saturday.

The East London club opened the bidding just under a week ago with an offer worth up to £27m, which was rebuffed by the Clarets.

However, a second bid - which could topple Burnley's record sale for Michael Keane in July 2017 - has been tabled according to reports.

Losing Tarkowski would be a big blow for Burnley, as captain Ben Mee acknowledged: "He's been fantastic.

"He was probably the best performing English centre half last year, he played every game and every minute.

"I know that he was disappointed not being in the England squad, I was disappointed for him, he should be in there going on form and ability.

"He's right up there. We want to keep him around, he's a top class player, I enjoy playing with him. We want to keep our best players, that's the case with other players as well.

"We want to keep him at the club for as long as possible, I certainly do anyway, but what will be will be.

"He's said that he wants to play at the highest level possible, which all players do. Hopefully the best outcome happens for everyone."

"He's been a top defender for the past couple of seasons in fairness, he's probably head and shoulders above a lot of the England players in my opinion."