Report: Bournemouth eyes loan for John Terry
Eddie Howe may be tending for another storied yet habitually crocked Englishman.
Following in the wake of Jack Wilshere's summer loan from Arsenal could be Chelsea's John Terry, according to The Telegraph's Sam Wallace and Matt Law, with Bournemouth apparently eyeing a temporary swoop for the weathering skipper.
Howe was disappointed to have 21-year-old Nathan Ake recalled by Chelsea from his season-long loan on the south coast on Sunday, but confirmed his intention "to recruit a player in similar stature to Nathan" in the January transfer window.
The Cherries apparently believe that player could be acquired by re-opening the lines of communication with Chelsea.
For Terry, aged 36 and a representative of Blues for 22 years, a change of scenery poses an opportunity to potentially extend his career in the Premier League for another season. With the return of Ake, Kurt Zouma easing back to fitness after a 10-month layoff, and Terry's recent dismissal which laid bare his dwindling physical capabilities, first-team football at Chelsea is unlikely.
He has also struggled with injuries lately, shaking off the back and knee issues that marred the earlier years of his career to now succumb to muscle and foot complaints that have made him unavailable for 10 matches this season.
The route into Bournemouth's starting XI should prove easier.
Steve Cook's knack of winning tackles and seldom fouling have made him irreplaceable, but Simon Francis is suspended for the upcoming Premier League matches against Hull City and Watford. Also, Marc Wilson, a summer arrival from Stoke City, has struggled to stake a claim for inclusion from the first whistle.
These reasons, and seeing Wilshere's success under Howe since overcoming his niggling fitness problems, would make a deal appear to suit both parties. However, there is one aspect that could see Terry remain at Stamford Bridge: Chelsea is on the hunt for its sixth league title and its captain's fifth.
Terry's red card in Sunday's 4-1 FA Cup ousting of Peterborough United means he's suspended for the Premier League trip to Leicester City on Saturday.