Tarky talks over Latics loan return

Photo: Alan Howarth

BOSS Lee Johnson and skipper Korey Smith celebrate in front of the Athletic fans after Saturday’s win at Swindon. Smith was the subject of two bids on transfer deadline day.

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JAMES Tarkowski could be back in an Athletic shirt for the rest of the season — despite his deadline-day move to Brentford.

Manager Lee Johnson — who revealed the club turned down two big-money bids for captain Korey Smith — will sit down with the 21-year-old defender tomorrow to discuss a proposed return to Boundary Park.

Tarkowski could officially return when the emergency loan window reopens on Friday, in time to play Bristol City on Saturday.

Provided Brentford don’t suffer injuries and need him back, he should remain at Boundary Park for the full 93 days allowed, taking him beyond the final-day home clash with Notts County on May 3.

Athletic says the fee for Tarkowski - officially undisclosed - is far more than the £150,000 reported in some papers last week. Part of the fee is thought to be dependent on Brentford moving up to the Championship. A sell-on clause has been incorporated, Lee Johnson has confirmed.

“I have to have a chat with Tarky,” said Johnson of tomorrow’s meeting with the home-grown defender.

“Their manager (Mark Warburton of Brentford) has said there is a gentleman’s agreement to bring him back here and they are happy with that - bearing in mind the work we do on coaching.

“I have read a few things and can understand why people would question the figure. I will let the chairman explain, but it certainly wasn’t as low as has been touted.

“It is very hard to stop someone progressing in their career. Brentford are going places and are chucking a lot of money at it. I know some people see it as asset-stripping - but I turned down a massive bid for Korey Smith.”

Director Barry Owen, commenting on Tarkowski’s move, told the Chronicle today the transfer was advantageous for both parties.

“The player wanted to advance and we have never stood in the way,” said Owen. “The offer was on the table and it was a good one for us and for the player.”