AFC Bournemouth striker Joshua King will be staying at Dean Court this summer, according to Cherries manager Eddie Howe.
King had been linked with a move to Newcastle United by The Sun, who had stated that “Benitez (Newcastle United manager) hopes to get the go-ahead from Mike Ashley (Newcastle owner) to invest in players and £20million-rated King is a priority”.
The report adds that “Benitez wants a new No9 – and Bournemouth’s Josh King is top of his targets.”
But whilst the Norwegian international has not enjoyed a campaign as fruitful as last season, where he scored 16 goals in 36 appearances, with 14 goals coming between New Years Eve 2016 and May 2017.
His goal against Southampton, the first by a Bournemouth player away at Southampton in the league since February 1960 was his seventh goal this term.
Howe told the Daily Echo…
“Joshua is a huge part of our plans and a massive player for us. Certainly, he won’t be going anywhere.
“He has played a key role. Last season, he scored a big number of goals and had an outstanding season. Sometimes, to follow that up is difficult because teams become more aware of you and he hasn’t been as free-scoring as he was.
“But he is an important player for the team because he covers many different strengths which we require. He has pace and physicality, he’s technically very good and his versatility is important…
“…He is someone we depend on to perform well and I expect big things for him next season.”
Your say…
redharry wrote…
He may want to move, playing second fiddle behind Callum at the moment.
last years Josh I would want more than £20M, this year??? – Join the conversation
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