FA Cup rivals Liverpool have emerged as strong contenders for the signature of the Latics starlet James Tarkowski. Brendan Rodgers is a great admirer of the 21-year-old centre back and it is rumoured that he may be willing to offer a player plus cash deal to take Tarky to Anfield. It is rumoured that the player could be academy prospect Stephen Sama who is a central defender who was signed from Borussia Dortmund three years ago. With the transfer window re-opening at the start of the New Year, other clubs are also showing interest, in particular Huddersfield and Burnley. Manager Lee Johnson has had no offers but accepts that bids could soon be arriving for Tarky along with some others in his squad. An offer of around £2m has been quoted.
He admitted, “I know there were a lot of people looking at Tarkowski. From my point of view, I am pleased as I want to keep him. Hopefully, he won’t be going anywhere. But we have got a lot of interest with people talking about a lot of our players. It wouldn’t surprise me if there were bids for one of four or five. But until you get asked the question seriously by a manager or chief executive, it doesn’t matter.” Tarkowski is tied to Athletic until the summer of 2015.