AFC Bournemouth forward Josh King looks likely to leave on transfer deadline day, with Southampton and Burnley both interested.
The Athletic have reported that Shane Long could be used as part of a swap deal, while the Lancashire Telegraph claim contact between the two clubs has been made.
Josh King Wanted by Premier League Duo Southampton and Burnley
Southampton Interest in King
According to The Athletic, Saints boss, Ralph Hassenhüttl is looking to bring the want-away forward to the Cherries’ south coast rivals.
In order to do so, Saints would sign the Norway international on a permanent basis with a small fee while Long would swap St Mary’s for the Vitality Stadium on loan with an option to buy.
Having spoken to the Southampton boss, 29-year-old King could be persuaded to make the switch.
Burnley Looking for Attacking Alternatives
Burnley have found goals hard to come by. In fact, only bottom club Sheffield United have scored fewer than the Clarets in the Premier League.
The addition of King could solve that but wages could halt any move. With new ownership, manager Sean Dyche has claimed organising things have been difficult.
He said: “No news at the moment re: transfers still, working with the new ownership, defining roles, defining the organisational point of view…very difficult with COVID and what’s going on, as you can imagine.”
King would welcome a return to the north-west having started his career off with Manchester United. After leaving the Red Devils, King joined Burnley’s rivals Blackburn Rovers in 2013 following a successful loan spell and made 72 appearances for the club.
In 184 games for Bournemouth, King has scored 53 times and added 19 assists. In the Premier League, he scored 48 goals in 161 appearances and has netted 17 in 51 for his country. The forward is out of contract in the summer so for Bournemouth to receive a fee would be good business.
Other links
Since the summer, King has been linked with several clubs. West Ham United were interested but failed to meet the Cherries’ asking price, with the south coast club rejecting bids from the Hammers and Torino.
Aston Villa were another side willing to take him away from the Vitality Stadium, while there had been talks about a return to Old Trafford.
