Ben Pearson has been linked with a move to Celtic (Getty Images)
According to claims from Football Insider (h/t Lancashire Live), Bournemouth are eyeing a cut-price swoop for Preston North End midfielder Ben Pearson as Jason Tindall looks to strengthen his squad before the January deadline.
The 26-year-old’s contract at Deepdale is due to expire at the end of the season and the midfielder has made it known to the Lilywhites that he sees his immediate future elsewhere.
As per the report, Celtic have made contact with Pearson over a potential pre-contract agreement. But with the managerial situation at Parkhead currently volatile, the door remains open for Bournemouth to have a real shot at nabbing Pearson for a knockdown price this month.
The Cherries have re-signed Jack Wilshere on a short-term deal to bolster their midfield. Besides that, however, Bournemouth are yet to make any significant moves in the January window.
Truth be told, the south coast outfit aren’t really crying out for immediate cover in the middle of the park this month. The likes of Lewis Cook and Jefferson Lerma have been among the mainstays of Tindall’s midfield in the Championship this term. Philip Billing and Dan Gosling have also played a bit-part role in the set-up.
Having said that, however, the Cherries should be open to market opportunities in a bid to freshen things up with an eye on the future. Nnamdi Ofoborh has agreed to join Rangers on a pre-contract deal with his contract at the Vitality Stadium set to expire in the summer.
Gosling is also out of contract at the end of the season. Bournemouth should, therefore, have one eye on replacements as they target an immediate return to the top-flight.
Ben Pearson ticks several boxes to evolve into an excellent long-term servant. The former Man United youth prospect has racked up 165 appearances for Preston in all competitions since joining the club in January 2016.
The 26-year-old has progressed by leaps and bounds over the course of his spell at Deepdale. Pearson has been a consistent performer for the Lilywhites and looks more than capable of competing with the likes of Lerma and Cook for a spot in Bournemouth’s midfield.
In fact, Bournemouth shouldn’t hesitate to look at him as a player with the potential to make the step up to the Premier League. The Cherries are vying for promotion and Pearson’s experience at this level would surely make him a handy addition.
Hence, a potential cut-price deal would be in perfect alignment with the immediate and long-term objectives for the Cherries.