OPINION
Benik Afobe is set to leave Bournemouth this month after a row with boss Eddie Howe, and Wolves must swoop to seal a sensational return for their former star.
As reported by The Sun, Afobe was almost struck by a pen after Howe became animated after their FA Cup third round loss to Wigan three weeks ago.
The Sun report that it is not clear how the manager lost control of the pen, but Afobe is said to have reacted badly to the incident and was left out of the squad to play West Ham last week as the argument escalates.
It is said that the Cherries were looking to offload the 24-year-old before the row started, but his reaction has put his position at the club in even more doubt.
As previously reported by The Sun, Wolves are interested in a return for Afobe, who spent a year at Molineux before his move to Bournemouth, scoring 23 goals in 48 appearances.
And this would be the perfect move for Nuno Espirito Santo as he looks to rubber-stamp his sides promotion to the Premier League in the coming weeks.
Afobe has not shown his true colours during his time on the south coast, scoring just 11 goals in 70 games for the Cherries, but that does not mean he has lost his touch.
The 24-year-old has never really been given an extended run in the starting XI, and that has meant his goalscoring touch has deserted him of late.
However, the striker was a key player for Wolves during his previous time at the club, scoring around a goal every two games at Molineux.
And while Wolves are not exactly struggling for goals this season, there is still a need for support to be provided for Leo Bonatini up front.
The Brazilian has not scored in nine Championship matches now after a lightning start to the season, and is clearly in need of a partner or a back-up.
Afobe knows the club, he knows the Championship, and his experience in the Premier League will have made him a better player, even if that is not shown by his record.
His top-flight experience will also mean he will be able to hit the ground running if Wolves do end up securing their likely promotion to the Premier League next season.
Wolves’ biggest competition look to be West Bromwich Albion, who have shown interest in Afobe this month.
If Afobe is set on staying in the Premier League, then the Baggies look to be the most likely option.
However, his successful time at Wolves in the past may convince him to drop down to the Championship and look to gain promotion with his old club.
Bournemouth are keen to recuperate the £10million they paid for Afobe, and that looks a good price for a player who will secure promotion and provide a ready-made Premier League presence up front.