Newcastle United are exploring a potential January transfer for Bournemouth midfielder Jefferson Lerma, per 90min, a player boss Eddie Howe once dubbed ‘extremely talented’.
The Toon want to strengthen Howe’s squad in the winter, after hiring the former Cherries manager to replace Steve Bruce.
Newcastle’s Saudi-led owners have promised Howe funds will be available for the 43-year-old to bring new players to Tyneside. And he already has a raft of targets on his shortlist.
Howe is keen to reunite with a number of his former Bournemouth stars, including Lerma, at Newcastle in January transfers. With Cherries ace Lloyd Kelly and Nathan Ake – who left Dean Court for Manchester City – on his radar to bolster the Magpies’ centre-back options.
All three moved to Bournemouth under Howe’s watch, with Lerma arriving in a club-record £25m transfer from Levante in 2018.
Lerma played 65 times under Howe before the new Newcastle manager left Bournemouth following their relegation last year. He also scored three and assisted three goals.
The Colombian has since added a further three goals and two assists in 61 games across all competitions. And has featured 13 times in the Championship this term under Scott Parker.
Newcastle boss Howe had high hopes for Lerma after Bournemouth transfer
Lerma has proven to be a resolute holding midfielder since his transfer to Bournemouth under now-Newcastle manager Howe. The Toon boss also holds him in very high regard.
Reports by Marca claimed Howe wanted Everton to sign Lerma if hired as Carlo Ancelotti’s successor this summer. With the Cherries open to a season-long loan for €1.5m (£1.3m).
Howe also had high hopes for Lerma on his arrival at Dean Court in 2018. Backing the 27-year-old to be ideal for the Premier League, and offering a new option in his engine room.
“It’s no secret that Jefferson has been someone we have chased for a while this summer,” Howe said, via the Border Telegraph.
“It’s been a complicated deal, but I am certain it will be worth all the hard work that people have put in to make this happen.
“Jefferson is an extremely talented player and a very good athlete, who will bring a different type of play to our midfield.
“He has a lot of qualities that will be suited to the Premier League, and I’m really looking forward to working with him.”
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