EX-ENGLAND star Fraser Forster is set to complete a shock free transfer to Bournemouth.
, 37, was a free agent after being released by in the summer.
Fraser Forster is set to sign for Bournemouth in an emergency transferCredit: Reuters
It comes after Cherries No2 Will Dennis picked up an ankle injury in training, leaving the club with one senior goalkeeperCredit: Shutterstock Editorial
However, he is now on course to return to the south coast – having previously played for Southampton – to join in an emergency transfer.
Forster is set to sign a six-month deal with the Cherries to bolster their goalkeeping ranks after they were left with only Djordje Petrovic available in the goalkeeping department following an injury to Will Dennis.
Bournemouth manager confirmed No2 Dennis picked up an ankle injury in training during his pre-match press conference before the Saturday game against .
Iraola, 43, said: “Will Dennis got injured yesterday. He was training with the goalkeepers and he had a bad ankle. He twisted his ankle and apparently it’s a considerable injury.
“So I know that the club is trying to work and sign Fraser. I don’t know if it is official yet or they are in this process.
“But it is true, they are moving quickly because it is something that happened yesterday.
“And we have a lot of games now in a very few days and I know that the club is trying to sign him.”
The Spanish boss added Bournemouth academy graduate Dennis, 25, is going for an MRI scan to assess the “considerable” injury.
Forster, who played six times for the , has a wealth of Premier League experience.
He has played 155 times in the English top flight, including 134 games for Southampton and 21 for Spurs – seven of which came in December of last season.
Iraola will have the option to play the veteran against Arsenal, but indicated he would stick with No1 Petrovic – who has played in every match this season – for the Vitality Stadium clash.
Bournemouth have the worst defensive record of any team outside the relegation zone with 35 goals conceded and just five clean sheets.
After a strong start to the season which saw them lose just one of their opening nine games – including wins over Tottenham and Brighton – they have failed to win a game since October 26.
It is a record which has seen the club slip down to 15th in the table and now sitting just nine points above the relegation zone.
The Cherries are also set to be hit hard in January by the departure of talisman to Manchester City in a deal worth the forward’s £65million release clause, which expires on January 10.
However, the 25-year-old will be available for Bournemouth to feature against Arsenal tomorrow and against Tottenham on January 7.
Antoine Semenyo is set to feature against ArsenalCredit: Getty
Andoni Iraola insisted he is happy at Bournemouth amid links to ChelseaCredit: Getty
Iraola said: “I think the idea is at least that he is going to be available for these two home games.
“There is nothing signed. For sure, there are conversations. I understand a lot of the noise around, but there is nothing signed.
“He is playing very well. I think he is doing the right things. I think he is a top professional, a top guy.
“He wants to help the team. He wants to help his team-mates. I have no doubts he will do his best.
“There is a lot of noise around him and he is being a top professional. I am sure he will be until the last day.
“If we lose Antoine, definitely it is going to be a massive hit – but you have to move on. Football is like this.”
Iraola himself has also been linked with a switch to after ‘s surprise departure on New Year’s Day.
However, he insisted he is “very happy” at Bournemouth.
: FOLLOW ALL THE LATEST FROM THE JANUARY WINDOW
Eze Chidiebere Paul
I'm dedicated to creating high-quality content that informs, inspires, and delights. If you have any questions or suggestions, don't hesitate to get in touch. Happy reading!
