James Tarkowski priced out of Leicester transfer as Burnley demand £40m for Harry Maguire replacement
LEICESTER have been priced out of a move to replace Harry Maguire with Burnley’s James Tarkowski.
Brendan Rodgers is considering his options after Maguire’s world-record £85million move to Manchester United.
And the Foxes made an enquiry about Burnley centre-back Tarkowski earlier this week — but were told a deal would be at least £40m.
The ex-Premier League champions are reluctant to break their own transfer record for the 26-year-old, despite rating the England international highly.
Rodgers will look at loan options before Thursday’s deadline but also rates Turkey youngster Caglar Soyuncu and will only move for the right centre-back at the right price.
As SunSport reported over the weekend, Rodgers is also eyeing £15m Celtic defender Kristoffer Ajer.
However Rodgers has warned he won’t be held to ransom when it comes to replacing Maguire.
Despite hailing the fee agreed with United as “incredible business” Rodgers won’t be held to ransom if and when he replaces the England ace.
He said: “If we can do some more business, then great. If not, then we will go with what we have got.
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“As soon as we know Harry’s situation, we can activate interest elsewhere.”
Asked if he feared having to pay an added premium, now selling clubs know he has cash burning a hole in his pocket, Rodgers said: “We have our own valuation on players we might look to bring in.
“It’s something we have been preparing for.”