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Transfer rumours: Bournemouth want Karl Darlow, Nottingham Forest keen on Ian Maatsen, Italian clubs chase Boubakary Soumare

By Darren Plant, Senior Reporter | 21 July 2023

Transfer rumours: Bournemouth want Darlow, Forest keen on Maatsen, Italian clubs chase Soumare

Sports Mole rounds up some of the latest transfer rumours, including Bournemouth chasing goalkeeper Karl Darlow, Nottingham Forest wanting Ian Maatsen and two Italian clubs keen to sign Boubakary Soumare.

Bournemouth are reportedly interested in securing a deal for Newcastle United goalkeeper Karl Darlow.

Since 2014, the Englishman has been contracted to the Magpies, yet he has only made a total of 100 appearances in all competitions, a result of playing backup to different number ones and loan spells elsewhere.

During the second half of the last campaign, the 32-year-old represented Hull City in the Championship, making 12 starts in what is perceived to be a successful stint with the Tigers.

As a result, the Daily Mail claims that Bournemouth want to quickly wrap up a deal for the experienced stopper to boost their options between the sticks.

Neto, Mark Travers and Darren Randolph are all on the Cherries' books at present, but one of the latter pair would be allowed to depart the Vitality Stadium if an agreement can be found for Darlow.

With Darlow effectively fourth choice at St James' Park and Newcastle keen to reduce their outgoings to support FFP matters, manager Eddie Howe is said to have given the green light to a departure for one of the club's longest-serving players.

Ian Maatsen and Nicolas Jackson combine for Chelsea against Wrexham on July 19, 2023. © Reuters

Meanwhile, Nottingham Forest are allegedly prepared to test Chelsea's resolve regarding left-sided player Ian Maatsen.

Earlier this week, the Netherlands Under-21 international scored twice for the Blues in a 5-0 victory over Wrexham, and he has subsequently expressed a desire to prove himself at Stamford Bridge.

Nevertheless, with one year remaining on his contract, a decision will need to be made about his future, Chelsea aware that they are in a position to generate much-needed funds if head coach Mauricio Pochettino does not view Maatsen as part of his first-team squad.

According to the Daily Mail, Forest are willing to spend in the region of £15m in order to win the race for the former Burnley loanee.

With Renan Lodi no longer at the City Ground, Steve Cooper requires competition for Omar Richards, and Maatsen would provide an option in every role down the left flank.

West Ham United have also been credited with an interest in Maatsen, while Burnley cannot be ruled out of the race despite their recent spending spree on new players.

Lyon coach Rudi Garcia pictured on February 19, 2021 © Reuters

In the Championship, Leicester City will reportedly be provided with the chance to cash in on midfielder Boubakary Soumare.

Big things were expected of the Frenchman when he departed Lille for the Foxes two years ago, but he has failed to justify his £17m price tag.

Leicester opted against quickly selling the 24-year-old last summer, yet it may be a different story this time around courtesy of their relegation to the Championship.

According to L'Equipe, each of Napoli and Torino hold an interest in negotiating a deal with the East Midlands outfit.

While the report does not mention a potential fee, Leicester would hope to receive somewhere in the region of the figure that they shelled out in 2021.

Depending on Leicester's valuation, clubs in Ligue 1 may express a desire to get involved with Soumare a former 14-cap France Under-21 international and someone who contributed to Lille's title success in 2021.