Bournemouth are looking to sign two centre-halves before the start of the Premier League season, and are interested in Aston Villa ace Kortney Hause and Liverpool star Nat Phillips.
That’s according to talkSPORT, who also list Manchester United defender Axel Tuanzebe as an option for Scott Parker to acquire. The Cherries are weighing up potential moves for all three to join before the newly-promoted south coast side open the campaign against Villa.
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Bournemouth play host to Steven Gerrard’s side on August 6 after finishing second for the 2021/22 Championship title to Fulham. But Parker does not believe his team is ready for a term in the top-flight yet, so is determined to sign two centre-backs and a new goalkeeper.
Bournemouth interested in south coast return for Nat Phillips of Liverpool
Phillips spent the latter of last season with Bournemouth after Liverpool agreed to loan the 25-year-old out in January. He made 18 appearances while at Dean Court, 17 in the league, and helped guide Parker’s men to promotion with a hand in eight second-tier clean sheets.
Parker also declared his intentions to re-sign Phillips in April, but The Athletic cited a £15m valuation. The Reds believed he merited the price tag after making strong progress during the past year. He is also under contract at Anfield through to 2025 on a £64k-a-week deal.
Bournemouth retain their interest in a return to the south coast for Phillips with his role at Liverpool doubtful. Of the Bolton-born enforcer’s 24 senior matches for the Reds so far, he amassed 20 in 2020/21 mostly due to injuries for Virgil van Dijk, Joe Gomez and Joel Matip.
Scott Parker also interested in wantaway Aston Villa ace Kortney Hause
Parker is also interested in Bournemouth exploring a transfer for Hause, while the 27-year-old is keen to leave Aston Villa. The Daily Mail previously reported that the former England U21 international is eager to target a fresh start, despite signing a new contract in January.
Hause slipped in Gerrard’s pecking order last term following Calum Chamber’s mid-season arrival from Arsenal. Diego Carlos has also moved to Villa Park from Sevilla this summer for £26m. So, Hause is unlikely to improve on his mere seven Premier League games last term.
Bournemouth advancing their interest in Hause, along with signing Phillips from Liverpool, may pit Parker’s outfit against Watford for a transfer with Aston Villa, though. The Athletic report the Hornets want Hause to aid their quest for an immediate Premier League return.
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