It would appear that Eddie Howe has been camped out at Everton's training ground with news that Sylvain Distin is another player on Merseyside who is linked with making a summer move to AFC Bournemouth. Both the BBC and SkySports have reports that the experienced centre back is ready to move in principle on a free transfer after becoming a free agent.
This means that AFCB have done some serious negotiation and enticing to get the Frenchman to agree to a move to the south coast as he was earlier reported this summer to be eyeing a move back to France to play out his career. The 37-year-old is lined up to have a medical and that should see him able to sign for the Cherries very soon.
Having played in the Premier League for many seasons at Newcastle, Man City and Portsmouth as well as Everton it is hard to find a more experienced centre back to join newly promoted AFCB. While he might not be as quick as he used to be Sylvain is still recognised as a top defender and AFCB will need some steel about them and more know how. I also believe it will be inspirational and beneficial for younger players like Baily Cargill to see how a player who has been at the top for a long time goes about his work. He played 12 games last season for Everton in the Premier League, which indicates he will be cover for the centre back positions along with Elliott Ward. Distin also played in two cup games and three Europa League matches and in previous seasons he has managed in the region of 30 games a season.
My only concern is that such a signing could give other Premier League sides the signal to try and entice Steve Cook away from the Cherries. Reports last week about QPR's Steven Caulker joining the Cherries also seem less likely now with Distin choosing to the join the Cherries.
There is also a report on FLW, but unconfirmed that AFCB have made a new bid Demaria Gray of Birmingham City.
This is a FANTASTIC signing for the Cherries. As an Evertonian I am GUTTED that Buzz has gone, he was an IMMENSE servant to the club and was poorly treated in the end, not at all the Everton way. He is simply class and you will get at least 3 years of solid graft out of him. Glad hes staying in the prem but gutted he's not staying at GP. - COYB - Kris
ReplyDelete