Athletic up for Tarkowski windfall

ATHLETIC could be set for a transfer window windfall after Burnley reportedly stepped up their interest in James Tarkowski.

The former Athletic defender, very impressive since his move to Brentford two years ago, is the subject of a failed £2.3million bid from the Clarets. But it appears the Championship side will go back with a second offer for the highly-promising centre back of £3m-plus.

With Athletic holding an interest in the player’s future through a sell-on clause, a successful transfer would provide a massive financial boost.

The deal that saw Tarkowski (23) leave for West London included an initial undisclosed fee paid to Athletic as well as a top-up after the Bees gained promotion to the Championship.

Then-manager Lee Johnson also revealed a sell-on clause had been included - and if that is 10 per cent of the total, a £3million deal to take Tarkowski back north to Turf Moor could realise in excess of £250,000 - cash most welcome for finishing off the heavily-delayed north stand.

Manager David Dunn, who last week lost top scorer Danny Philliskirk to Blackpool for £75,000, would also hope a chunk of any money would find its way into the player budget.

Dunn is on the look-out for goalkeeping competition, a new centre back, a midfield replacement for Richie Wellens, and possibly a striker, while hoping some fringe players are shipped out.

Philliskirk (24) has earned Athletic cash twice before; first in a move to Chelsea as a 16 year old for a fee of around £150,000, then last week in the Blackpool switch.

Fellow youth team product Tarkowski has also been sold by the club twice, the first as an 11 year old to Blackburn in a deal potentially worth £240,000.

The New Moston-born centre of excellence star returned five years later to take up a scholarship at the club. The defender could now make the club money for a third time.