Exclusive: Bournemouth Consider Late Bid for Iceland Defender Hólmar Örn Eyjólfsson
By Tom Gott
Bournemouth are contemplating launching a late bid for Levski Sofia defender Hólmar Örn Eyjólfsson.
The Cherries find themselves locked in a relegation battle in the Premier League, and their defensive record of 37 goals conceded is among the poorest tallies in the entire division, so manager Eddie Howe is on the lookout for reinforcements.
One player who has moved into their sights is 29-year-old Eyjólfsson, and a source has confirmed to 90min that Bournemouth are open to moving for the Iceland international before the close of the January transfer window.
Eyjólfsson has made 15 appearances for Levski Sofia this season and has even chimed in with three goals, and his form has caught the eye of a number of English sides - many of whom are considering launching late January bids.
Working in Eyjólfsson's favour is the fact that he has already spent time in England. He was on the books at West Ham United between 2008 and 2011, but he failed to make a senior appearance for the club.
He did, however, make four appearances out on loan with Cheltenham Town during the 2009/10 campaign, so he does have some knowledge of English football, while he has also spent time in Norway, Germany, Israel and his native Iceland.
This season, Howe has relied on the likes of Steve Cook and Nathan Aké, while Chris Mepham has also seen plenty of minutes, but none of the trio have been able to stop Bournemouth from falling into a relegation battle.
The club are yet to do any business during the January transfer window, but Eyjólfsson, who has just 18 months remaining on his current contract, could be the first arrival if Bournemouth choose to act on their interest.
Tuesday's 3-1 win over Brighton and Hove Albion saw Howe's side move up to 18th in the standings, behind West Ham only on goal difference.
They will face another huge game when Aston Villa visit the Vitality Stadium on 1 February, with the Villans just two points ahead in the table.