According to recent reports, Crystal Palace have joined West Ham United, Leicester City and Newcastle United in the race for Bournemouth attacking midfielder David Brooks.
The reports by Sky Sports claim that all four clubs are keen on a move for the 23-year-old, who joined Bournemouth for a £10.17 million fee from Sheffield United back in 2018.
Since then, Brooks has gone on to make 42 appearances for the Cherries, scoring eight goals and providing five assists.
And, despite the fact the Wales international made just nine Premier League appearances this season because of an ankle injury, his return of seven goals and five assists over 30 appearances in the 2018/19 season has obviously impressed numerous suitors enough that they remain interested in the 23-year-old this summer.
While Brooks is currently valued at £21.60 million, Bournemouth may be forced into accepting a bid which is less than this figure due to their relegation from the Premier League, much like they are said to be doing with another of their prized assets, the £21.60 million-rated Callum Wilson, who they have reportedly set an asking price of around £20 million for.
TIF Thoughts…
With Crystal Palace star Wilfried Zaha once again being linked with a move away from South London this summer, it would appear wise for Roy Hodgson to preempt the 27-year-old’s departure and make a move for a player like Brooks.
While he is primarily an attacking midfielder, Brooks is equally adept at featuring from the right-wing, meaning, should he indeed arrive at the club this summer with Zaha departing Selhurst Park, the 23-year-old could perhaps take on some of the responsibilities of the Ivorian winger.
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Having said this, it could be argued that, even if Zaha remains at the club, a move for Brooks by Palace would certainly go some way to improving the club’s goalscoring troubles, as the Eagles found the back of the net just 31 times in the league last season, a record which only bettered bottom of the table Norwich City.