Bournemouth are monitoring the situation of Manchester United centre-back Axel Tuanzebe and Tottenham Hotspur defender Japhet Tanganga, according to The Athletic. The Cherries are also not ruling out a potential reunion with Liverpool man Nathaniel Phillips.
Bournemouth Desperate to Sign New Centre-Back to Fix Defensive Woes
One Time-Manchester United Captain Tuanzebe and Tottenham’s Tanganga Being Monitored
Bournemouth are currently in a precarious position defensively ahead of the start of the Premier League season. Scott Parker only has three natural centre-back options to choose from, Chris Mepham, captain Lloyd Kelly and James Hill. The Cherries are well aware that is not good enough if they are to avoid relegation.
They are currently assessing both Tuanzebe as well as Tanganga, who are available for transfer after falling down the pecking order at their respective clubs. The newly-promoted side are also aware that both young centre-backs are attracting interest from other clubs.
Read More: AC Milan Interested in Move for Japhet Tanganga
AC Milan are reportedly interested in signing the Spurs man while Tuanzebe, who became one of the youngest players ever to captain a United side in 2019, is a target for Turkish side Trabzonspor.
Bournemouth Also Considering Reunion With Nathaniel Phillips
Another centre-back who is on Parker’s potential transfer list is Liverpool centre-back Phillips. He was instrumental in helping the Cherries get promoted to the Premier League last season, enjoying a successful five-month loan spell after joining them in the January transfer window.
Indeed, Phillips considerably strengthened their backline last season, helping keep eight clean sheets in 17 appearances and ensuring that Bournemouth secured automatic promotion to the Premier League.
Read More: Manchester United Complete Paperwork for Lisandro Martinez Signing
However, Liverpool are in no mood to offer them in any discount for a transfer, nor are they willing to loan him that easily. The Reds recently sold Neco Williams to Nottingham Forest for £18 million and could demand something similar to let their centre-back leave.
Bournemouth’s Summer Transfers So Far
The newly-promoted Premier League side have not spent any money on transfers so far in the summer window. They have signed former West Ham United right-back Ryan Fredericks and former Blackburn Rovers midfielder Joe Rothwell as free agents to strengthen Parker’s squad.
Read More: Every Premier League Transfer Completed in Summer 2022
However, signing a centre-back is the need of the hour because of the lack of available options. With a few weeks remaining before they start their league season against Aston Villa, Bournemouth remains keen on signing a new centre-back as they keep assessing the available options.
