WEST BROM are chasing a cut-price move for Bournemouth forward Josh King, according to reports.
The Norwegian was in high-demand last summer, when West Ham and Torino both tested the Cherries’ resolve.
Josh King has failed to score in eight outings for Bournemouth this seasonCredit: Rex Features
New Baggies boss Sam Allardyce is hoping to bolster his attacking optionsCredit: Getty – Pool
Bids of £13million and £7m respectively were knocked back, however, with Bournemouth not concerned over losing King on a free transfer upon the expiry of his contract at the end of the season, having only paid £1m for him back in 2015.
But with the striker having failed to hit the ground running back in the Championship this term, the Cherries may be willing to let the 28-year-old go on the cheap this month.
According to the Mail, West Brom are interested in signing King to bolster their survival bid.
New boss Sam Allardyce is eager to add firepower to his front line, especially having lost Karlan Grant to injury.
King has been goal-shy this season, failing to score in eight Championship outings.
But he has proven Premier League pedigree, having scored 16 goals in 36 appearances back in the 2016-17 season.
His fortunes weren’t so good in the three full campaigns since, however, netting eight, 12 and six respectively.
Despite these mixed spells, former club Manchester United tried to sign him last season.
CASINO DEALS: BEST SIGN UP OFFERS TO CLAIM OVER £700
The Cherries were relegated last seasonCredit: Getty Images – Getty
The forward represented the Red Devils as a teen, appearing once under Sir Alex Ferguson.
And when Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s current vintage found themselves short of a forward 12 months ago, they lodged a £20m bid for their former starlet.
While King himself was desperate to go, Eddie Howe’s side opted to hold on to their striker, with their futile attempt to stay in the Premier League in mind.
United ended up signing Odion Ighalo instead.
And in September, King himself admitted that he’d been gutted when the move didn’t materialise.
He said: “I will not lie, because I really wanted to go there in January, but what happened, happened.
“I know why things happened. We’ll just have to wait and see. There is a lot that is open.
What if United are still interested? That would be amazing. I was at United for five years and I learned lot there
Josh King
“I have a dream to play in the Champions League.
“Whether it will happen this season or in two years, I do not know. But I have a dream about it that all boys have.
“What if United are still interested? That would be amazing. I was at United for five years and I learned lot there.”
⚽ Read our Man United live blog for the latest news from Old Trafford
King played for Man United as a teenCredit: AFP – Getty
Romaine Sawyers turns the ball back to his goalkeeper – and it rolls into the net
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
