Is Mepham insurance for Aké departure?

It is hard to see how Eddie Howe can keep all his centre-halves happy with his predominance at picking a back four for most games, and only having two central-defensive places up for grabs in most games. The Daily Mirror is suggesting that Chris Mepham has only been brought in, because the top six have scouts at Bournemouth games, watching the progress of Nathan Aké.

Is Aké an asset Bournemouth simply won't be able to hold on to?

I'm sure Aké is being watched and he is capable of playing at a bigger club and improving his wages. It may also be that Chelsea have first claim on the Dutchman, but if they are looking to bring in defenders in the summer, we could be seeing the final few games of Aké in a Bournemouth shirt before the summer.

That would make more sense when looking at the Mepham transfer. Bournemouth may still see Tyrone Mings move this window, but it looks like Jack Simpson has been kept back from going on loan. It would be a surprise if at least one central defender didn't move in January from Bournemouth, and Mings is the player that is most in need of the games.

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What was said to Mepham when he signed and whether he was given any guarantees about playing is something fans would love to know. For sure it would be good for him to learn next to Steve Cook and Nathan Aké, but if Aké is off this summer, Mepham won't have long to get up to Premier League speed. Howe may also want to play Mepham as much as he can, if he knows that Aké is to be sold.

At the moment, Bournemouth look like they are strengthening strongly. But looks can be deceiving, and if there is a shock move for one of the team's defenders, let's hope it is in the summer and not in this January window.

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