“They should be looking elsewhere at this stage” – Bournemouth linked with move for West Ham defender: The verdict

According to the Sun, the Cherries are keen to add the West Ham defender to their squad as they prepare for life in the Premier League next season.

Here we ask our FLW writers their verdict on if this would be a good fit for Longelo and Scott Parker’s squad… 

Whereas Bournemouth will need to add to their squad this summer in order to bolster their chances of achieving a relative amount of success in the top-flight next season, they should avoid taking a risk on Longelo.

Yet to feature in the top-flight for West Ham United, the left-back’s only senior appearances to date have come in the League Cup and the Europa League.

With there being no guarantee that he will be able to cope with the competitiveness of the top-flight, Longelo may struggle to make an impact at the Vitality Stadium if Bournemouth opt to swoop for him.

If the Cherries are looking to strengthen their options in this particular position, they ought to be looking to sign an individual in the upcoming window who has a proven track-record at this level.

This could be a good long-term addition to Parker’s side, but it doesn’t particularly boost their chances of Premier League survival.

The first team squad should be the Cherries’ priority for now, but if a reasonable fee can be agreed then this is still a good prospective signing.

Longelo certainly has a bright future ahead of him, but he has been unable to break into the Hammers’ lineup under David Moyes.

Perhaps a loan move to the EFL would be the best next step for him in his career, but he could yet still play a role in Bournemouth’s season if this move does happen.

At 21, he could be a decent long-term addition for the Cherries but considering the lack of first-team experience under his belt, they should