Bournemouth are set to miss out on proposed transfer target Youssef Chermiti with Everton now posed to complete their swoop for the 19-year-old.
According to MailOnline, the Toffees have beaten the Cherries and Wolverhampton Wanderers to Chermiti’s signature following successful talks on Sunday.
Sean Dyche’s men have agreed a deal with Sporting Lisbon for the youthful forward, though there are still finishing touches needed for the deal to be completed.
It is a blow for Bournemouth who were said to hold an interest in the Portugal Under-19s international, described as a ‘superb prospect’ by talent scout Jacek Kulig.
The teenager impressed for Sporting last season after breaking into the first team fold. He made 22 appearances in all competitions, including five Europa League features, as he scored three and set up two for the Portuguese giants.
Andoni Iraola has brought in five fresh faces so far this summer ahead of the Cherries’ second season back in the top flight. Milos Kerkez and Justin Kluivert joined on permanent deals, as did Hamed Junior Traorè following his loan deal last season.
Romain Faivre has also signed for Bournemouth, but has been sent straight on loan to FC Lorient where he also spent the last campaign on a temporary basis.
Andrei Radu completes Iraolo’s business at present with the shot stopper arriving on loan from Inter Milan.
None of the aforementioned names are strikers, leaving the Cherries with limited options up top prior to the upcoming season.
If not Chermiti, who?
Dominic Solanke, Antoine Semenyo and Kieffer Moore are the current options for the role of leading the line, they share a combined 15 Premier League goals between them.
The ship looks to have sailed for Chermiti, but it is safe to say Bournemouth would still really benefit from a new focal point in the attacking third if they are to improve on their 15th placed finish from the previous campaign.
Che Adams had previously been linked with a Cherries switch, but that rumour seems to have quietened down.
It is over to Iraola now to find and secure his ideal candidate.