Aston Villa and Newcastle United are among numerous clubs interested in signing Bournemouth striker Junior Kroupi.placeholder image
Aston Villa and Newcastle United are among numerous clubs interested in signing Bournemouth striker Junior Kroupi. | Getty Images
The latest Premier League transfer news as an update emerges concerning Aston Villa, Newcastle United and AFC Bournemouth.
Aston Villa and Newcastle United may have to move quickly if they are to sign one of the Premier League’s most exciting up-and-coming strikers.
The Villans and the Magpies are reportedly keeping close tabs on AFC Bournemouth wonderkid Eli Junior Kroupi, however contract talks could scupper any potential swoop.
Kroupi, who joined Bournemouth from Lorient last winter for a bargain £12 million fee, has scored eight goals in 21 Premier League appearances so far. At the tender age of 18 years, Kroupi has gathered widespread attention.
Villa and Newcastle battle for wonderkid striker
According to TEAMtalk, Villa and Newcastle are among a host of top clubs keen on luring Kroupi away from the Vitality Stadium. But Bournemouth, eager to stop any advances from rivals, are said to be preparing contract talks with the youngster.
TEAMtalk’s report states the Cherries are willing to offer Kroupi vastly improved terms to try and get him to stay at the club. Bournemouth are very aware that Kroupi’s value will only continue to rocket if he continues his current form and fulfils his massive potential, so it could be a smart move.
As Kroupi still has another four and a half years left on his current deal, the likes of Villa and Newcastle cannot open talks with the striker unless Bournemouth accept an official bid. The Cherries are therefore in a strong position and will only be pressured to sell if Kroupi himself kicks up a fuss.
Offering the promising forward a big pay rise - as well as assurances over guaranteed starts - could be a good way to keep him sweet for a while longer. It just means Villa and Newcastle may have to be patient, or look elsewhere. It’s not a guarantee that Kroupi signs a new deal, though, so Villa and Newcastle are bound to keep tabs on his situation just in case.
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