BURNLEY have completed the signing of Brentford defender James Tarkowski.

The 23-year-old has signed a three-and-a-half year deal at Turf Moor after undergoing a medical earlier today.

Tarkowski has been the Clarets top transfer target throughout this window, but Sean Dyche has had to wait until the final day to land his man.

"James is a player I have known for a couple of seasons and I’ve monitored his progress from Oldham, right the way through to now," said Dyche.

"He is at a good age and has gained a lot of experience over the last couple of seasons and I feel he can be a big part of us going forwards in the future.

"We want competition in all areas and we have been a little bit light in that area all season, so we feel he’s a very good player and an excellent signing for the club, both now and for the future."

The Manchester-born centre back was the subject of an initial £2.3million bid from the Clarets earlier in the window, but that offer was rejected by the Bees.

However the former Oldham man then refused to play for Brentford against Burnley in the Championship clash at Griffin Park on January 15.

Shortly after he released a statement through the club's website explaining he wished to return to his native North West to look after his mum, who has been diagnosed with an incurable illness.

Burnley struck a deal with Brentford on Sunday, for an initial fee of around £3million plus add-ons, and Tarkowski underwent a medical and agreed his personal terms earlier today.

He will wear squad number 26, but has not signed in time to make his debut against Sheffield Wednesday tomorrow night.

The signing of Tarkowski will NOT have any impact on Michael Keane's immediate Burnley future, with the England Under-21 international remaining at Turf Moor beyond the end of this transfer window, despite reports linking him with a move to Stoke City today.