Howe responds to two transfer rumours and reveals player "not 100%" for Bournemouth

by Olly Hawkins · Published 17 January 2025, 09:51

Eddie Howe has been speaking to the media this morning, issuing an update on two exit rumours and Fabian Schar's fitness heading into tomorrow's early kick off against Bournemouth.

Starting with Miguel Almiron, Howe responded to talk of the Paraguayan heading to former club Atlanta United after widespread rumours claiming he is closing in on a £10m move.

The boss admitted "anything can happen" with Miggy, suggesting an exit may be in the offing, but it may not be as close as some suggest as he's currently due to be in the squad for tomorrow's game.

"We're expecting him to train today and be part of the squad for tomorrow," Howe said. "He has been top class (throughout this saga). "He lives his life through the football club. It's not ideal (losing a winger) but that's the reality of PSR."

"I would say with him currently anything can happen from this moment (but he'll be in the squad tomorrow)."

Kelly update after Fenerbahce bid

Howe then issued a response to the Lloyd Kelly rumours after talk of a low-ball offer from Turkish giants Fenerbahce this week, insisting that the player himself is looking to force his way into his plans - not leave so soon after signing.

"Lloyd has not talked to me about leaving the football club. I think he's only just joined and I think there's an understanding from his perspective that he's got to earn the right to play and prove that he deserves to play ahead of other players.

"So there's been absolutely no issue. He's been great to work with and I knew he would be. He's waiting for his opportunities, so there's no issue with Lloyd at all.

"Whatever rumours you're hearing are likely from Fenerbahce and not from the player so I want to make that very clear and Lloyd's an important part of what we're doing."

Schar still struggling?

Fabian Schar missed our 3-0 win over Wolves on Wednesday due to illness and it sounds like he could miss out again this weekend.

Howe admitted he did train on Thursday, but is “not 100%” in terms of his well-being after a “nasty cough”, meaning it could be Botman and Burn at centre-back once again tomorrow.

“We will make a decision on Fabian [Schär] today, he trained yesterday but he was not 100% himself in terms of his well-being,” Howe said. “A nasty cough, a nasty illness, so we will see how he’s recovered today see if he’s fit enough to be involved.”

“It’ll be pretty much the same squad (that faced Wolves on Wednesday night."

Nick Pope is set to miss out again but could be "close" for next week's trip to Southampton, while Callum Wilson is targeting a return to action in early February.