David Brooks only key signing for Bournemouth since the end of last season
Tuesday 3 July 2018 15:12, UK
Eddie Howe admits Bournemouth face a "difficult" summer in the transfer market as he looked to reinforce his squad ahead of the new Premier League season.
The Cherries have made one key signing since the end of last season - midfielder David Brooks joining from Sheffield United on a four-year deal.
Bournemouth saw a £10m bid for Brentford defender Chris Mepham rejected last month and Howe admits recruitment has been a struggle, partly due to the ongoing World Cup in Russia.
"This transfer window has been difficult," he said. "Transfer fees as always tend to go northwards, with the World Cup year and the window closing earlier.
"From the manager's perspective, you want to get the players in as early as you can to work with them and build your team for pre-season.
"This year is perhaps the first season where we haven't been able to do that. Certainly between now and the start of the season we will be active and looking to do business."
Howe is delighted to have secured Brooks on a long-term deal and believes the 20-year-old has the potential to become a first-team regular at the club.
"I'm really pleased to get him in," said Howe. "He's a player of real potential and undoubted ability so I'm really excited to work with him and see what he can bring to the team.
"He has certainly got the age, the profile that we look at in the majority of our signings and I'm really excited to see him in a Bournemouth shirt.
Howe added: "He has got a really good brain. He's an intelligent player who knows where to go and knows what his strengths are.
"He's got undoubted technical ability, a lovely left foot, really nice balance and I think in time he will be a goal creator and goal scorer."
Howe seemingly ruled out a move for Jack Wilshere, who is currently a free agent after leaving boyhood club Arsenal.
"I've said many times that we love Jack but financially it might be a difficult one for us," he added.
