BURNLEY defender James Tarkowski has penned a new four and a half year deal to remain at Turf Moor until the summer of 2022.

The 25-year-old has impressed for the Clarets in the Premier League this term and has been rewarded with a new contract.

Burnley boss Sean Dyche said of the deal for the defender: "Tarky was under contract but we felt it appropriate. There’s another couple we’re talking too. He’s worked well and done well in the Premier League and his contract was out of sync.

"He wants to learn and improve but we've got a whole group who want to do that."

Tarkowski had 18 months left on his previous contract with a club option for an extra year.

He joined Burnley from Brentford in January 2016 and made four appearances as the Clarets won the Championship title.

The former Oldham centre back then made 19 top-flight appearances, including four starts, as Sean Dyche’s side sustained their Premier League status in 2016/17.

Tarkowski was an ever-present for the first 18 games of this season before picking up a retrospective three-match ban and sustaining a broken hand in the Clarets’ 0-0 draw at Brighton. He returned to action for the New Year’s Day game against Liverpool and is set to feature against Manchester City in the FA Cup third round on Saturday.