One deal done, does another edge nearer for Bournemouth?

AFC Bournemouth have officially concluded their first business of the January transfer window, many deals are expected to follow over the next three weeks.

As expected, there will be departures and arrivals at Dean Court before the month of February is upon us.

The first move was 21-year-old defender James Hill, who has made the move north of the border to join Heart of Midlothian on a loan deal until the end of the season.

Hill was a January transfer signing this time last year.

The England Under-21 international had been previously linked with La Liga giants Barcelona, Sheffield United, Liverpool, Chelsea, Tottenham Hotspur, Leeds United and Southampton.

He has since made one, one-minute appearance for the Cherries in the Championship and three further appearances for the club in the FA Cup and Football League Cup.

Hill joins Hearts third in the Scottish Premiership table. Fighting against Aberdeen for the “best of the rest” position in Scotland.

In a brief statement on afcb.co.uk the club stated that “everyone at the club wishes James well for the rest of the season.”

One potential incoming on the south coast appears to be Lorient winger Dango Ouattara.

Both BBC Radio Solent reporter Kris Temple and Sky Sports journalist Mark McAdam have stated that AFC Bournemouth are holding talks with the Ligue 1 side over a potential transfer for the Burkina Faso international.

AFC Bournemouth reportedly have competition for the 20-year-old, who has scored five goals and claimed five assists in 16 Ligue 1 games so far this season with Premier League rivals Everton and Leicester City.

However, Lorient are believed to be the French club in Ligue 1 that AFC Bournemouth owner Bill Foley is in talks with over a potential takeover. This could hold some influence over discussions.

Kris Temple alluded to the takeover during BBC Radio Solent’s coverage of the FA Cup game against Burnley, stating that the takeover was close to conclusion and stating that one of their players was a potential transfer target.

🍒 Here you go then #AFCB fans. As previously reported on @solentsport, that progress of Bill Foley’s takeover of Lorient was advanced, and that one of their top players was a target…

Dango Ouatarra. @TEAMtalk https://t.co/T1KShIXc9O

— Kris Temple (@kristemple) January 9, 2023

Bournemouth are one of a number of Premier League sides chasing Lorient winger Dango Ouattara.

The 20 year old has scored 5 goals in 16 Ligue 1 appearances this season having made his debut August 2021.

Talks happening between the two clubs… #afcb

— Mark McAdam (@markmcadamtv) January 10, 2023

It isn’t clear how much of an influence AFC Bournemouth head coach Gary O’Neil has over the Cherries transfer workings, speaking to the Daily Echo in recent weeks he said…

“…The transfer window opens and, as with the other 19 teams in the league, we’ll be looking to improve.

“It’s not always easy in January. Sometimes it’s a tricky month to get good players out of where they are.

“But we will be looking to improve. Hopefully help the boys we’ve got here, who are a great group, work their socks off – honest, have quality.

“But if we can add to that, of course it helps our chances.”

Your say…