Smith set to join Bournemouth

Can Jordon Ibe cut it at the very top?

Bournemouth manager Eddie Howe has been had with adding to his squad before the new season and has beginning now secured the associations of Ibe, Nathan Ake, Emerson Hyndman, Lys Mousset and Lewis Cook.

Smith is now on Liverpool’s tour of the United States but will return to England to finalise the deal. The following season he joined League One side Swindon Town on loan where he made 10 appearances during August and September 2014, before he rounded off his season representing Australia against Tajikistan and Jordan in World Cup qualifiers. That has to be his aim and is certainly my aim, to take all these boys to new levels.

“We have always traditionally brought in young talent, moulded them and worked with them and made them better. If that means the national team then so be it but my only concern is getting them playing to their full potential for Bournemouth”, Howe told British media. “I am excited to work with him over a longer period of time”.

“We had a go last summer to try and make sure we could stay in the division”.

Manager Eddie Howe is focused on ensuring young players coming through the ranks at Bournemouth can fulfil their potential and even go on to forge global careers.

There is also a strong feeling that the 19-year-old has not displayed the requisite commitment to making the switch to the club – a key criteria in Klopp’s assessment of potential signings.