Not Alex Scott: Andoni Iraola wants to raid Bournemouth for star pupil midfielder

Andoni Iraola has been installed as Liverpool head coach.

The Spaniard left Bournemouth at the end of his contract - succeeding Arne Slot in the Anfield hotseat. The Iraola era has already kicked off in the transfer market with the 43-year-old orchestrating a deal for €40m Spanish winger Victor Munoz from Osasuna.

And the Basque tactico could play a crucial role in the acquisition of one of his former charges at Bournemouth. Reports have linked Liverpool with moves for Cherries stars like Rayan, Alex Scott and Eli Junior Kroupi.

Liverpool now watching Marcus Tavernier

A more underrated performer on the South Coast has now been linked by a report in TEAMtalk in the shape of Marcus Tavernier.

Aston Villa and Fulham are both thought to be keen on recruiting the 27-year-old while Newcastle along with Liverpool are keeping a watching brief.

Tavernier scored seven goals and added four assists in the Premier League last season - rising to the challenge set by Iraola in his final season in charge.

Iraola keeping a close eye on Tavernier

“Liverpool are also keeping a close eye on developments,” the report reads.

“The Spaniard retains a strong appreciation of Tavernier after overseeing the most productive football of his career at Bournemouth. [Liverpool] remain firmly informed of the player’s situation and are keeping a strong watching brief.”

Marcus Tavernier: Situation summary

Marcus Tavernier is a 27-year-old left‑footed English midfielder/winger for Bournemouth, signed from Middlesbrough in 2022 and now beyond 110 Premier League appearances with 18 goals and 18 assists for the club.

At 1.78m, he offers a strong engine and positional versatility, playing off either flank or as a narrow attacking midfielder in Bournemouth’s high‑tempo, front‑foot setup.

On the pitch, Tavernier brings aggressive ball‑carrying, volume shooting and steady end product. He presses with intensity, covers big distances and contributes on set plays, making him a reliable high‑output runner in wide and half‑space zones.

He signed an extension in 2025 that keeps him at Bournemouth until 2029, handing the club real leverage in negotiations.

Manchester United and a wider Premier League pack have explored a move, with recent reporting indicating Bournemouth would look for a fee in the region of £40m (€47m) before seriously entertaining a sale.