Bournemouth have announced a deal for Brentford defender Chris Mepham after their £12m bid was accepted.
Eddie Howe has been chasing Mepham’s signature for the last 12 months and has finally got his man on a long-term deal.
Bournemouth rekindled their interest in Mepham following news Simon Francis would miss the remainder of the season with a serious knee injury.
Brentford have now recouped well in excess of £60m in player sales over the last four campaigns following Mepham’s departure.
Of the 52 players aged 21 and under that have made at least 10 appearances in the Championship this season, Mepham averages the most passes per 90 (62.8).
The Cherries have been one of the most active Premier League sides in the January transfer window, having already signed Dominic Solanke and Nathaniel Clyne from Liverpool at the start of the month.
Mepham’s arrival paves the way for Tyrone Mings to leave on loan for the remainder of the season and the 25-year-old is expected to drop down to the Championship.
Hull, Derby, West Brom and Nottingham Forest are just a few of the Championship sides interested in loaning Mings.
