Sources: Bournemouth plot new move to sign Blackburn Rovers star Rothwell
Bournemouth are planning a new move for Blackburn Rovers midfielder Joe Rothwell, Football Insider understands.
Rothwell was a target for Bournemouth during the January transfer window, but the Cherries were unable to finalise a deal with their Championship rivals.
A recruitment source has told Football Insider that the 27-year-old’s contract expires in June and Bournemouth want to sign the Manchester United academy product on a free transfer.
The Cherries are in the market for new central midfield options ahead of the summer window.
They are long-term admirers of Rothwell and Scott Parker was keen to add him to the squad in January.
As revealed by Football Insider on the penultimate day of the January window, Bournemouth agreed a £3million deal with Blackburn for the midfielder.
However, the two clubs could not push a move through and the Manchester United academy product remained at Ewood Park.
Bournemouth are now looking to capitalise on his contract situation by poaching him on a free.
Rothwell has been a standout performer for Blackburn since joining from Oxford United in 2018.
He has played 159 times for Rovers, with 11 goals and 17 assists under his belt.
This current campaign has been Rothwell's most productive with the north west outfit.
He has chipped in with nine assists and three goals in 39 Championship appearances.
The midfielder is one of several players out of contract at Rovers this summer.
Ben Brereton Diaz is the most high-profile of those, although the club hold the option to extend his terms by year.
Bradley Johnson, Darragh Lenihan, Ryan Nyambe and Jacob Davenport are also into the final months of their current deals.