Celtic and is watching Ecuadorian midfielder Oscar Zambrano but AFC Bournemouth are now in advanced talks to bring the so-called new Moises Caicedo to the Premier League instead.
HITC Football understands that, after reports linking Oscar Zambrano with Manchester United and a host of other top-flight clubs, it is Andoni Iraola’s upwardly-mobile Bournemouth side who are moving into pole position.
The Cherries are now in advanced talks with the highly-rated 19-year-old, one of the most exciting young midfielders in South American football.
Zambrano, who currently plies his trade for LDU Quito, has also been discussed by Wolves and Brighton while catching the eye of Old Firm rivals Rangers and Celtic.
Luton Town have held talks too. But Bournemouth are now confident of agreeing a deal, feeling that Zambrano could be a real coup for a club who have made a habit of snatching coveted up-and-comers from more high-profile clubs, Milos Kerkez, Alex Scott and Ilya Zabarnyi all arriving at the Vitality Stadium in recent transfer windows.
Bournemoith lead Oscar Zambrano race
Zambrano could cost around £5.5 million. Luton had a bid of around £3 million rejected recently – as confirmed by LDU’s sporting director – and it remains to be seen how much Bournemouth will eventually stump up for a player who came through the same academy as compatriot Caicedo.
Zambrano, like Chelsea’s £115 million summer signing, possesses both physical and technical gifts, and is capable of controlling proceedings from his favoured deep-lying midfield role.
Luton Town could miss out
Luton boss Rob Edwards, meanwhile, appeared to confirm back in October that The Hatters had sent scouts to South America to watch Zambrano in action.
“We have travelled out there. Not just to see him, but to have a look at number of games and do a little bit of scouting work out there as well,” Edwards told Luton Today.
“I think that’s a real positive for us. We’re starting to spread the net wide. There’s some real talent out there.
“It’s important we keep moving forward and keep progressing, as recruitment is a huge thing. It’s important we keep our finger on the pulse with that one and we’re looking at where the best young players are.”
HITC has been told that Man United and Tottenham have watched Zambrano too, but are yet to take their interest any further.
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