Bournemouth risk losing Manchester United target King in summer

Bournemouth face an uphill battle to keep Joshua King in the wake of Manchester United's deadline day interest, claims The Daily Telegraph.

United made a move to re-sign King on the final day of the transfer window and reportedly had two offers rejected, with the last totalling £25m, by the Cherries.

King's representatives got the impression United would return with a third offer but Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's side ultimately swooped for former Watford striker Odion Ighalo.

While a boost in Bournemouth's quest to beat the drop, the Cherries may struggle to keep King beyond the end of the season.

The Norway international has just 18 months left to run on his existing Bournemouth contract and Eddie Howe's side want to tie him down to a new long-term deal.

However, King has not given any indication he is open to fresh terms and may force Bournemouth to cash in at the end of the season.

With only year to go until becoming a free agent, this summer represents the last chance Bournemouth would have demand a decent fee for King.

Bournemouth have encountered a similar problem with Ryan Fraser and rather than selling him in the last 12 months he now looks set to leave for nothing when his deal expires in the summer.

It remains to be seen whether United will rekindle their interest in King as a result of these latest developments but he is not expected to be first choice on Solskjaer's list of transfer targets.

United only turned to the 28-year-old at the end of January after missing out on Erling Haaland and a serious injury suffered to Marcus Rashford.

Solskjaer has made the likes of Jack Grealish and Jadon Sancho top transfer targets for the summer, but King could be an option if they again fail to land their first choice transfers.

King has struggled with a hamstring injury that has limited him to just 16 appearances in the Premier League this season, with a return of only three goals and two assists.