Simon Francis told the Football Show on Sky Sports (12/01/21 at 11:25 am) that West Ham and Everton-linked Josh King is ‘too good’ for the Championship.
The ex-Cherries captain, who is now working as a backroom member at the club, stated that he expects interest in his former teammate.
The Daily Mail have previously linked West Ham’s name with King, whilst those on Merseyside have also seemingly joined the race for his signature, according to the Sun.
Francis was asked about King’s future and how he would like him to stay put in Dean Court.
“Of course I do [want him to stay],” said Francis. “The problem with Josh King is that he hasn’t been involved as much as he would have liked throughout the first part of the season due to injuries and the COVID that affected him.
“But he is a Premier League player. We talk about Benrahma with that quality. He is too good to be playing in the Championship.
“If he stayed at Bournemouth I think that will only be a positive thing for the club. But I expect there to be interest in him, no doubt.”
West Ham clearly need a forward player more than Everton, who have Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Richarlison as options to lead their line.
But those at the London Stadium only have Michail Antonio, and with his hamstring problems, it begs the question as to why West Ham were so quick to sell Sebastien Haller without having a replacement lined up.
If Antonio picks up another muscle injury then David Moyes may have to copy the Carlo Ancelotti tactical book and play without a recognised striker, just like Everton did during their win at Wolves on Tuesday night.
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