Howe to continue Bournemouth reshuffle with QPR double raid
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Having forked out £15m for Liverpool’s hotly-rated youngster Jordon Ibe, Bournemouth boss Eddie Howe is continuing his preparations for the season with QPR’s Steven Caulker and Nedum Onuoha next in line for a move to Dean Court.
Howe broke the Cherries’ transfer record to bring in 20-year-old Ibe from Anfield, and after allowing Tommy Elphick to join Aston Villa, and releasing Sylvain Distin, he is after some defensive reinforcements.
QPR pairing Caulker and Onuoha are reportedly Howe’s primary targets, with £15m believed to be enough to land both players.
Caulker didn’t feature for Rangers at all last term, spending loan spells at Southampton and Liverpool, playing three times for each.
Onouha is the Loftus Road skipper, but has been in west London for four years and could be tempted by a change of scenery, especially back in the Premier League.
After working wonders to keep the south-coast club in the top tier last season, Howe will be desperate to ensure his side don’t become one-season wonders.
In addition to Ibe, Howe has also welcomed Lewis Cook to Dean Court from Leeds, plus £6m laid out for forward Lys Mousset from Le Harvre, and American midfielder Emerson Hyndman from Fulham.
But with all of those signings being midfielders or forwards, it’s clear the Cherries boss is now firmly turning his attention to fixing a defence which conceded 67 times last term.
Bournemouth conceded three goals or more on 11 occasions last season, something which is likely to end up relegation this time around should that form continue.
But if Howe can land these two experienced Premier League defenders, the south coast club will go a long way to establishing themselves as regulars in the top tier.
Bournemouth will be kicking off their second year in the big league against Jose Mourinho, Wayne Rooney, and Zlatan Ibrahimovic at Dean Court.
It’s 4/1 that Cherries fans enjoy a spectular and victorious opening day, while Man United are 8/11 to spoil Howe’s hopes.
All Odds and Markets are correct as of the date of publishing.
