Bournemouth are poised to confirm key changes to Andoni Iraola's backroom team as the Cherries continue to pursue a number of transfer targets for the ambitious Spaniard
Dr. Robert Percy Marshall
Dr. Robert Percy Marshall is joining Bournemouth from RB Leipzig
Bournemouth are finalising the impressive capture of RB Leipzig club doctor Robert Percy Marshall. Marshall, who worked with Cherries stars Justin Kluivert and Tyler Adams during a seven-year spell with the German outfit, is set to replace departing performance director Jay Mellette.
Mirror Football understands Mellette is poised to return to owner Bill Foley's ice-hockey team Vegas Golden Knights after two years at the Vitality Stadium.
Marshall's impending arrival on the South Coast remains subject to a language exam plus a successful visa application, respectively.
Meanwhile, Bournemouth are in active talks with defender Marcos Senesi over a new contract but an agreement with the 28-year-old is not yet close.
The Argentine international centre-back has attracted interest from Villarreal, Real Sociedad and Roma as he's now entered the final 12 months of his existing deal.
Still, the Cherries would like to keep Senesi and are also pursuing a move for £30million-rated Lille centre-back Bafode Diakite in a bid to strengthen Andoni Iraola's backline. The Spaniard has already lost Dean Huijsen and Milos Kerkez to Real Madrid and Liverpool and Paris Saint-Germain are refusing to give up on Illia Zabarnyi despite seeing two bids rejected.
Bournemouth are holding firm on their £60million valuation of the Ukrainian, who is keen to join the newly-crowned European champions.
The Cherries have also shown an interest in Lazio's Mario Gila but there is recognition a deal would likely prove complex as Real Madrid have a 50 per cent sell-on clause.
BRENTFORD, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 02: Head Coaches Andoni Iraola of Bournemouth and Thomas Frank of Brentford during the Premier League match between Brentford FC and AFC Bournemouth at Brentford Community Stadium on September 02, 2023 in Brentford, England. (Photo by Robin Jones - AFC Bournemouth/AFC Bournemouth via Getty Images)
Andoni Iraola is looking to drive Bournemouth to new heights this season following a ninth-place finish
Club Brugge defender Joel Ordonez is also on Bournemouth's radar but they are yet to approach the Belgian club despite suggestions a bid has been lodged. Personal terms with Lille's Diakite are believed to be in place but so far, an agreement has not been reached with Lille.
Nantes' Nathan Zeze, a France U21 international, is another name of interest as Bournemouth now focus their effort on bolstering the numbers within Iraola's squad.
Earlier this week, the Cherries confirmed that star forward Antoine Semenyo, who was being eyed by the likes of Manchester United and Tottenham, has signed a new lucrative contract to extend his stay at the Vitality Stadium.
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