Speculation is intensifying regarding the future of Bournemouth winger David Brooks.
Manchester United are reportedly looking at alternatives to Borussia Dortmund’s Jadon Sancho and Sport Witness claim Brooks is a ‘serious’ transfer target for the Red Devils.
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They report that a deal could be done ‘relatively quickly’ given that the Cherries were relegated last season.
Wales international Brooks missed the majority of last season due to ankle surgery but returned to action in June amid the coronavirus pandemic
At 23, and with plenty of Premier League experience, the former Sheffield United man could prove to be a shrewd acquisition for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.
Below, talkSPORT.com have taken an in-depth look at the Wales international…
David Brooks - 2019/20
*Brooks missed much of the 2019/20 campaign due to an ankle injury
Age: 23
Club: Bournemouth
Position: Right wing
Nationality: Welsh
Premier League appearances: 9
Goals: 1
Assists: 0
Shots per game: 0.7
Key passes per game: 0.7
Dribbles per game: 1.3
What’s the gossip?
Manchester United are said to have a ‘serious interest’ in Brooks – as per the aforementioned report – who looks destined to leave the relegated Cherries this summer.
The Sun claim United’s arch nemesis Liverpool are also plotting a £35million swoop for the talented winger, who has also been linked with Tottenham, Everton and West Ham.
A return to his former side Sheffield United has also been mooted, while Leicester are also said to be monitoring developments.
The Manchester Evening News claim the youngster has been on United’s radar for some time, but no official contact has been made with Bournemouth at this stage.
Club career so far?
Brooks joined Sheffield United in the summer of 2014 after being released from Manchester City’s academy.
He rose to prominence at Bramall Lane and eventually sealed a big-money move to Bournemouth two years ago.
The 23-year-old had an impressive maiden campaign in the Premier League and was named both FAW Player of the Year and FAW Young Player of the Year for 2018/2019 – a feat not even achieved by Real Madrid superstar Gareth Bale.
However, an injury-plagued second season saw Brooks make just nine appearances in total as the Cherries fell through the relegation trapdoor.
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How much is he likely to cost?
Various reports have specified that Brooks could cost as much as £35m, however Bournemouth could have to let him leave for a reduced fee after dropping down to the second tier of English football.
International experience?
Brooks made his senior debut for Wales in November 2017, coming on as a substitute in a 2–0 defeat against France.
He has made 12 appearances in total for his country, scoring once.
Born in Warrington, he qualified to play for England and played for the Under-20s in 2017 but having helped win the Young Lions the Toulon Tournament he then switched allegiances to his mother’s country of birth.
What is being said about him?
“He is a talented player who is now scoring goals as well as performing well. It could’ve been so different with Brooksy, and what a disaster that would have been for us.
“He might have made the England squad had he not come to Wales. He is playing regularly and performing consistently at the highest level, and he just needs to carry on doing that.” – Wales boss Ryan Giggs speaking in November 2018
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“The biggest compliment I can give him is that he hasn’t been fazed at all by the step up in league.
“He has trained as normal and when he has been given opportunities, he has had the same mentality. I’ve been really pleased and the future is very bright for him.
“I’ve seen a player who loves his football, is focused on his work and is not really about outside influences or anything other than the training and the games.” – Ex-Bournemouth boss Eddie Howe speaking in October 2018
How would he fit in at Manchester United
4-2-3-1 – Brooks on the wing
The Welshman’s outstanding technical ability and brilliant movement make him a dangerous prospect on the flanks.
He is great at running at defences with speed, regularly cuts inside and shoots while he also has an excellent crossing range.
There is certainly a spot up for grabs on the right with wonderkid Mason Greenwood currently first choice, with Marcus Rashford on the other flank. This allows Bruno Fernandes to play just behind Anthony Martial.
4-2-3-1 – Brooks as a No.10
You could argue that the 5ft 8in wideman is most effective in this role, roaming behind strikers and being creative.
While Fernandes is unlikely to be moved out of this position, should that situation arise Brooks is certainly capable of playing behind 23-goal hero Martial, with Greenwood and Rashford on the respective flanks.
Fernandes could also play in a deeper role, ahead of Pogba who sees his future uncertain, despite an uptick in form.
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