‘Marcus Tavernier asking price revealed as West Ham join race for Bournemouth star’
West Ham are stepping up their pursuit of Bournemouth midfielder Marcus Tavernier as they look to replace the departed Mohammed Kudus.
The Hammers lost Kudus to fierce London rivals Tottenham in a £55million deal to leave manager Graham Potter with a creative void in his squad.
The Ghanian international spent two seasons at the London Stadium following his move from Ajax in 2023 and was a key attacking player during his time at the club.
Alongside Liverpool’s Harvey Elliott, Tavernier is on the shortlist to replace Kudus and Bournemouth have now revealed their asking price for the 26-year-old.
Valuation set on Tavernier
The Daily Mail reports Tavernier is valued at £30m by the Cherries, but West Ham will face competition from Turkish clubs Fenerbahce and Besiktas for his signature.
They also reveal Bilal El Khannouss of Leicester City could also be an option, but Premier League rivals Sunderland are also interested in the 21-year-old.
Tavernier joined Bournemouth from Championship club Middlesborough in 2022, costing £15m so the Cherries are looking for a sizeable profit for the midfielder.
He has been part of a Bournemouth squad which has flourished under Andoni Iraola, and came 9th in the Premier League last season.
Potter could target two stars amid Kudus void
Football Insider Verdict
Following the loss of Kudus, Potter is weighing up his options ahead of replacing the 24-year-old.
Potter not only needs creativity, but a player with an eye for goal amid their reliance on captain Jarrod Bowen last season.
Tavernier could be that player, and he could have produced more goals and assists if it wasn’t for injury issues in the second half of the campaign.
| Appearances | 32 |
| Goals | 3 |
| Assists | 6 |
Bournemouth have kept hold of fellow winger Antoine Semenyo following strong interest from fellow Premier League club’s.
Therefore, a move at the right price could be sanctioned by the Cherries as they look to replace Dean Huijsen in defence and his centre-back partner Ilya Zabarnyi could also depart.
Potter could do with more than one forward this summer and El Khannouss could be a cheaper alternative following Leicester’s relegation.
Fellow target Elliott shone with England at the Under-21 Euros, but his asking price is set at £40m and the midfielder has plenty of club’s to choose from.