Bournemouth have knocked back an approach from West Ham United for star striker Dominic Solanke.
According to the Daily Echo, the Hammers made contact with the Cherries late last month regarding his availability. Bournemouth are keen to keep hold of the 25-year-old despite West Ham’s search for a Gianluca Scamacca replacement this summer.
The Cherries paid £17.5million for Solanke’s services back in 2019, taking him from the hands of Liverpool. In his four years with the club so far, he has scored 56 goals and registered 27 assists in 174 appearances.
Most of Solanke’s goals have come in Championship action, though the former Chelsea man has proven to be a vital cog in Bournemouth’s Premier League set-up too.
During the last term, the Englishman made 35 appearances, scoring seven and assisting seven regardless of a short spell out of the side due to injury.
Currently at Andoni Iraola’s disposal alongside Solanke in the striking department is Antoine Semenyo and Kieffer Moore. It would be a surprise if the Cherries were not to add another striker to their ranks, amid links to Southampton’s Che Adams, especially if the West Ham target does leave the club.
He was an unused substitute in Bouremouth’s latest pre-season friendly, a 2-0 win over FC Lorient which saw Moore lead the line.
“We decided not to put Dom on, even if he was on the bench,” said Iraola.
“Because if you feel anything that is not 100 per cent, it was not the moment to take risks.”
Solanke is key
Scott Parker labelled Solanke ‘brilliant’ during his time in charge at the club and he would no doubt be a big miss if he was to depart the Vitality Stadium this season.
He is the main man for a reason and a replacement would be crucial if he was to exit the Cherries.
Solanke is a crucial member of the squad, so it is unsurprising that the Hammers approach was turned away, however, it is unknown if David Moyes will return with an offer that might test Bournemouth’s resolve so this one may not be dead in the water just yet.