NUFC eyeing £58m trio Howe brought to Bournemouth & have four others in mind

NUFC eyeing £58m trio Howe brought to Bournemouth & have four others in mind - Report

by Olly Hawkins · 13 November 2021, 09:00

Former Sky Sports reporter Graeme Bailey has written a new piece for 90min on Eddie Howe's transfer plans ahead of the January transfer window.

He claims that the 43-year-old is considering making moves for three players he signed during his time at Bournemouth - Nathan Ake, Lloyd Kelly and Jefferson Lerma.

Ake was one of Howe's star performers on the South Coast following a £20m move from Chelsea. He was snapped up by Man City after relegation, yet a lack of minutes under Pep Guardiola could see him move on in January as he eyes a return to the Dutch squad for next year's World Cup.

Kelly, another centre-back, was brought to Bournemouth by Howe back in 2019, arriving from Bristol City in a deal worth £13m.

The former England U21 international had several injury issues during his one season under the NUFC boss, but is their captain and a key part of Scott Parker's defence.

Then to Lerma, the tough-tackling Colombian who cost £25m from La Liga side Levante - making him Howe's record signing.

He's another key part of the current Bournemouth side, however 90min claim a return to the Premier League and reunion with Howe 'appeals' to the 27-year-old.

The report claims that every area of the squad is being assesses by Howe, however the early signs suggest he will prioritise moves for centre-backs and a new midfielder.

It's also said Howe wants players who can make an immediate impact and has asked to be informed about former Arsenal midfielder Aaron Ramsey, along with Man Utd's Jesse Lingard and Ross Barkley - who is currently struggling for game time at Chelsea.

90min also report that James Tarkowski has been identified as an early target, however Ake and Kelly are also on our radar as the club consider moves for TWO centre-backs.

I can't see Burnley selling to a direct relegation rivals in January and doubt Bournemouth would entertain moves for their star players when on course for automatic promotion, however a move for Man City's Ake could make sense for all parties.