Bournemouth revive interest in Championship hotshot
Published:
Bournemouth’s January spooning looks set to continue with Cherries boss Eddie Howe reviving his interest in QPR’s Matt Phillips.
Having signed Juan Iturbe on loan and Lewis Grabban and Benik Afobe on permanent deals Howe appeared to have conducted all of his business early.
However, with disgruntled forward Lee Tomlin being sent to Bristol City on loan and Junior Stanislas the latest player to be struck by the Cherries’ injury curse, Howe is back in the market for attacking additions before the window closes on Monday.
Ex-West Ham and Burnley ace Stanislas now faces at least six weeks on the sidelines after suffering suspected medial ligament damage during Bournemouth’s 1-1 draw at Sunderland at the weekend.
Commenting on this latest blow Howe said: “He twisted his knee and it doesn’t look good. It would be a big blow to lose him for any period of time.”
Phillips has turned out 30 times for Rangers this season, netting five goals and setting up four others, and could be the next big money arrival at Dean Court, with QPR likely to demand £8m for his signature.
The 24-year-old started his career at League Two side Wycombe Wanderers, before shining at Blackpool and Sheffield United.
He hit the headlines last year with a screamer of a goal in the Rs’ failed Premier League survival attempt and Howe will hope he can add to that showreel on the south coast.
Bournemouth will hope to earn local bragging rights and a place in the fifth round of the FA Cup when travelling to Portsmouth this weekend and at 13/10 are heavy favourites to do just that.
Attention will then turn to back to the Premier League where Phillips’ arrival could see odds of 1/7 on the Cherries to stay up tumble even further.
All Odds and Markets are correct as of the date of publishing.
Fancy a flutter? Sign up today to claim up to £50 in free bets
