Sunday 14 May 2017 09:22, UK
Departing Chelsea captain John Terry is not the right fit for Bournemouth but Jermain Defoe is, says Paul Merson.
Bournemouth enquired about taking Terry on loan from Chelsea in the January transfer window, according to Sky sources, and could come back in for the player when he leaves Stamford Bridge at the end of this season.
But Soccer Saturday pundit Merson believes Bournemouth, who moved into the top 10 with victory over Burnley on Saturday, would not be well suited to 36-year-old Terry - who has made just 12 appearances for the Blues this season.
I'm one of his (Terry's) greatest fans, but you don't half get isolated playing centre-half for Bournemouth.
"I'm not sure about the John Terry one because John hasn't played for a long time," Merson told Soccer Saturday on Sky Sports News HQ. "He's getting on a bit, I mean I'm one of his greatest fans, but you don't half get isolated playing centre-half for Bournemouth.
"It's not like you're going to get a lot of protection. That one doesn't tick the boxes."
Defoe also remains 'an option' for Bournemouth in the summer transfer window, according to Sky sources, with the England international currently heading for the Sky Bet Championship with already-relegated Sunderland.
The 34-year-old's impressive 15 Premier League goals is not enough to take him above Josh King's tally of 16 though, after the Bournemouth striker scored the winner in the 2-1 win over Burnley.
While Defoe would benefit from Bournemouth's attacking style of play, Cherries boss Eddie Howe needs to remain focused on not losing King, according to Merson.
"I get the Jermain Defoe one because they play two up front everywhere they go," said Merson. "Defoe needs to play otherwise he might as well go to a Championship team and play every week, so Bournemouth ticks the boxes.
"They're going to have a fight to keep hold of King though. Sixteen goals playing for Bournemouth? If [Romelu] Lukaku goes could you take King to Everton?
"Bournemouth play two up front so that 16 goals could easily become six or seven if he goes and moves somewhere where he's playing on his own, playing off scraps. It's a good place to be Bournemouth."
