West Ham and Newcastle United are among four Premier League clubs offering David Brooks an escape route out of relegated Bournemouth, according to Sky Sports.
If the Welsh wing wizard had not missed the majority of 2019/20 with ankle ligament damage, maybe Eddie Howe’s side would instead be preparing for a sixth successive season in England’s top flight.
Bournemouth scored just 40 goals this season – 16 less than in 2018/19 – and it is no coincidence that the creativity dried up with Brooks on the sidelines.
According to reports, the former Sheffield United starlet will be offered the chance to extend his stay in the Premier League with Newcastle, West Ham, Crystal Palace and Leicester City all interested.
Both Newcastle and Palace are crying out for an attacking midfielder capable of carving apart opposition defences like a katana through butter.
Brooks, a Warrington-born forward with the skill of a Spaniard, undoubtedly fits the bill.
The 23-year-old exploded on to the scene with seven goals and five assists during his debut season at Bournemouth. When fit and firing, Brooks is the stuff of nightmares for defenders, with his slaloming movement and ruthless finishing from outside the box earning comparisons with a young Aaron Ramsey.
A buccaneering Leicester side coached by Brendan Rodgers, a coach famed for helping young players realise their potential, looks like the perfect fit for the skilful Brooks.
The Foxes have looked devoid of ideas and unpredictability with James Maddison out of the side, and Brooks could ease the creative burden on the influential number ten.
“He’s a talent. He’s one of the most exciting players I’ve seen for a long time and unfortunately he’s been out of action,” Wales boss Ryan Giggs said of the £10 million starlet.
“He was player of the year for us last year and he’s just a player who can make a difference.”
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