Transfer update emerges on AFC Bournemouth and Nottingham Forest‘s pursuit of Middlesbrough star

Premier League sides AFC Bournemouth and Nottingham Forest have had bids for Middlesbrough midfielder Marcus Tavernier rejected, according to an update from 90min.

The 23-year-old hasn’t been short of interest from the Premier League in recent months – and that’s perhaps no surprise considering he recorded five goals and five assists in 44 league appearances for Chris Wilder’s side last season.

Football League World understands league rivals Everton and Leicester City are also interested in the Englishman along with the Cherries and the Reds, with the latter duo on the prowl for fresh blood following their promotion during the latter stages of last term.

FLW also believes Boro are braced to lose the 23-year-old this summer even with Djed Spence all but sealing his move to Tottenham Hotspur, with no shortage of top-flight interest in Tavernier either.

They are prepared to demand at least £10m for his services though considering he still has two years left on his contract on Teesside, a factor that puts the second-tier side in a strong position at the negotiating table with Wilder keen to keep hold of the core of his squad ahead of a potential promotion push during the 2022/23 campaign.

And according to this latest report from 90min, the offers from Bournemouth and Forest were reportedly around this £10m mark, with Boro seeking a fee closer to £15m instead after seeing him shine in recent seasons.

It’s not all bad news for Steve Cooper’s side though, with the East Midlands outfit believed to be closing in on another midfield target in Huddersfield Town’s Lewis O’Brien.

The Verdict:

Although O’Brien can contribute going forward – he may take up James Garner’s role alongside Ryan Yates and sit deeper – so having a more