According to reports from The Daily Star, Bournemouth forward Joshua King is likely to snub transfer interest from Newcastle United, Tottenham Hotspur and West Ham during the summer.
What’s the word?
King has been one of the Premier League’s most potent forces since the turn of 2017, going on to nab 13 goals in his last 16 games – including a winner over Burnley on Saturday – and unsurprisingly, the transfer columns have been awash with rumours over his future in recent weeks.
The Daily Star mention West Ham, Tottenham and Newcastle United as potential suitors, all of whom are expected to be on the prowl for more firepower this summer for a variety of reasons. West Ham need a striker more reliable than Andy Carroll, whilst Spurs need a support act to Harry Kane and Rafa Benitez seemingly has plans to re-establish Newcastle as a top Premier League side.
However, King has suggested his immediate future remains at the Vitality Stadium and he’s already looking forward to next season. As quoted by The Daily Star, he said…
“I cannot wait for next season to start. I have enjoyed being here from day one. Being noticed by other clubs is positive but my focus is 100 per cent here. This is the first season where I have scored goals like this. Next year I need to prove myself and do it all again. I set myself a target of 15 goals at the start of the season and have been building my confidence. One you start scoring it builds.”
A big blow for West Ham, Spurs and Newcastle?
On the surface, yes. Few clubs in world football are in a position to turn down a forward in as hot form as King right now and at the age of 25, the last few months certainly hint at the 28-cap Norway international finally coming of age. Likewise, he can operate as the lead striker, the support act, an attacking midfielder or a wide-man, so West Ham, Spurs and Newcastle would all be able to find some room for King in their respective squads.
That being said, it still remains to be seen if King’s current form is simply a flash in the pan. Although there has been a solid progression to his goals since signing for Blackburn Rovers permanently in 2013, he’s nearly doubled his career tally at senior level this season alone, managing just 17 in 142 appearances previously. Whilst it could be a case of the former Man United youngster’s prodigious ability finally clicking together, all three clubs may also be falling for a red herring. King deciding his future remains at Bournemouth for another season could save them some embarrassment – or at the very least, give them more evidence to go on before launching a future bid.