Josh King is a target for West Ham, West Brom and Wolves but teammate Jack Stacey would love to see the forward stay at Bournemouth until the summer, as he told the Daily Echo.
The Norway international might be the most high-profile player in Jason Tindall’s squad but, in truth, Bournemouth probably wouldn’t miss him all that much if King returned to the Premier League this month.
It has been a stop-start season for the 28-year-old.
Due to a combination of injury and illness, King has started just three Championship games in 2020/21, with Junior Stanislas, Dominic Solanke and David Brooks stepping up in his absence.
But, on the other hand, a fully fit King is capable of ripping Championship teams to shreds, transforming third-place Bournemouth into title favourites along the way.
“We want to keep all our players in the squad for as long as possible,” said former Luton Town defender Stacey.
“Personally, I’d love for him to stay for the season and help us get promoted to the Premier League. We know the quality he has.
“I haven’t seen any difference in his motivation or anything. As long has he carries on that I think everyone would love to keep him for the season.”
The Mail reported last week that West Bromwich Albion, Wolverhampton Wanderers and West Ham United are all interested in King.
But, with his contract expiring in July, it would make more sense, financially speaking, to wait six months rather than splash out £17.5 million now (Guardian).
Then again, with their top-flight status on the line, West Brom do not exactly have time on their side.
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