In an expected move on the eve of the January transfer window closing, AFC Bournemouth have managed to sign highly sought Matt Ritchie (23) from Swindon Town in a deal that has been reported at £400,000 (BBC) or around £500,000 (Echo), beating the likes of Crystal Palace, Bristol City and Charlton Athletic in the process.
The move brings to a close a lengthy process of bidding for the former Portsmouth trainee follwoing failed bids when Bradbury and Groves were in charge at Dean Court.
The reason for selling now? The fact is Swindon Town are in need of the money, with debts said to be in the region of £13m, with a letter going to every Club in the county advertising that every one of their players was available for sale! A sad slap in the face for Robins boss who said that he wouldn't let his prized asset go for anything less than £15m!!
More transfer deals to be done before the 11pm deadline on Thursday? Will have to wait and see whether Wes Thomas gets his dream move to anywhere and whether Lorenzo Davids could be heading to either Germany or Holland.