Bournemouth plan to resist any bids for Marcos Senesi this month, with Chelsea, Juventus and Barcelona among clubs targeting the centre-back. (Talksport), external
Want more transfer stories? Read Wednesday's full gossip column
Against Brighton on Monday, Bournemouth's first-half penalty was cancelled out by another bicycle kick for a 1-1 draw at the Amex.
Jordan Clark and Joe Partington look back at the match, discussing the penalty decision, the condition of the squad and the January transfer window in the latest edition of Cherries: Unpicked.
Listen to the full episode here
Explore all Bournemouth content on BBC Sounds
Sam Davis
Fan writer
Image source, Getty ImagesBournemouth's need for reinforcements in this January window has always been abundantly clear, particularly with many injuries to key players.
Unsurprisingly, the Cherries have opted to bring in another young talent who will hope to replicate many who have shone on the south coast. Alex Toth arrives from Ferencvaros with a lot of potential and is one that will certainly excite the Bournemouth faithful.
At only 20 years old, the Hungary international has already had many clubs looking at him and scrutinising the qualities he possesses.
Early observations suggest that he is a central midfielder who acquires many different attributes with an aggressive pressing style, something that is vital for an Andoni Iraola side.
He can play as an eight, in a box-to-box role and has even been deployed in a deeper midfield position too, therefore his versatility will be crucial for Bournemouth's thin squad right now, that's for sure.
The fact Toth has already established himself as a key cog in the Hungarian national team, as well as playing plenty of football in the Europa League, will give the Cherries some much needed experience despite his age.
It remains to be seen where he will operate for Bournemouth in the short term, perhaps stepping into the advanced midfield role vacated by the injured Justin Kluivert perhaps?
Either way, if the Cherries' latest 'Alex' can be as much of a hit as his namesakes Scott and Jimenez, they will be enjoying one superb player!
Find more from Sam Davis at Back of the Net, external
Sami Mokbel
Senior football correspondent
Image source, Getty ImagesHaving lost Antoine Semenyo to Manchester City, the focus for Bournemouth is now set to turn to manager Andoni Iraola.
The players' revolving door at the Vitality Stadium has spun a little too frequently for Iraola's liking of late.
But it is the manager's own future that will likely emerge as a dominant narrative as the Cherries head towards the final months of the season.
BBC Radio Solent's Jordan Clark has said Iraola would be "assessing all the options", but fans were hoping that he would at least sign a short-term contract later in the season.
However, there are varying degrees of interest from a number of clubs in Iraola heading into the summer.
Stability, coupled with a directive to build a team in his mould, are said to be far more important factors for Iraola than prestige.
It is likely that Iraola and his advisers are keeping their ears to the ground for what vacancies could be on the horizon.
Of course, the managerial market is gearing up to be extremely competitive heading into next season.
For instance, sources claim Crystal Palace are among those keeping abreast of Iraola's situation heading into next season as they look to find Oliver Glasner's successor.
Xabi Alonso, Enzo Maresca and Ruben Amorim to name just three are currently out of work and available.
Glasner has confirmed he is leaving Palace at the end of the season. Thomas Frank, given his plight at Tottenham, could be available.
Then there are international managers Thomas Tuchel, Mauricio Pochettino, Carlo Ancelotti and Julian Nagelsmann, who could also be out of work after the World Cup.
Indeed, the availability of so many top managers could benefit any plans Bournemouth have of trying to extend Iraola's contract into another season.
But you would imagine Iraola will be asking himself whether he has taken Bournemouth as far as he can before making a decision on his future at the Vitality.
Image source, Getty ImagesHungarian football expert Bence Bocsak has told BBC Solent Sport that new Bournemouth signing Alex Toth is the "ultimate professional" and explained how the midfielder's career has been different to his compatriot; Liverpool's Dominik Szoboszlai.
The 20-year-old Hungary international has joined on a five-and-a-half-year deal from Ferencvaros.
"The thing about Toth is he can play as a number eight, he can be a box-to-box player, but he has played as a holding player in the past," said Bocsak.
"I don't think he's going to be a destroyer type, and as a holding midfielder he's more of a deep-lying creator. And he can also play more advanced as a number 10. He's played all of those roles for Ferencvaros, but more importantly he's played all those roles for the Hungary national team against Portugal and other big nations.
"He's very experienced at a high level already because he's been playing regular Europa League football, so he's not coming directly from the Hungarian league because that's a big step to the Premier League.
"Everyone that you speak to about him, everyone that's worked with him has praised his character. He's not a Dominik Szoboszlai that was tipped to be a star the minute he came into the Hungary national team at 16 years old.
"Alex has had to wait for his time. He's worked hard. He's put in a lot of work. He's been the ultimate professional throughout his time then eventually got his opportunity because of his character.
"He's learned from Naby Keita at Ferencvaros and his manager is Robbie Keane and he's been working really closely with him, and he's taught him a lot. He's developed him a lot as well and his arrival at Ferencvaros has been really important for his development. This is his fourth manager now and all of them have had their faith in him from when he was really young at 18 years old.
"He's got a lot of intensity. He's a good presser so number 10 will probably be the role he could play in this Bournemouth side at the moment.
"In terms of that intensity we know [Andoni] Iraola's football, it is focused and high pressing and being really good in those final third areas when you lose possession. Alex is really good at that. For me, that would probably be his role, maybe coming in for [Justin] Kluivert."
Listen to the full conversation with Bence Bocsak with Radio Solent on BBC Sounds
Image source, Getty ImagesBournemouth have confirmed the signing of midfielder Alex Toth on a five-and-a-half-year deal from Ferencvaros.
The 20-year-old came through the academy at the Hungarian champions, making 52 appearances and scoring four goals during his time with the first team.
"It feels amazing to be a part of this club and I am excited to achieve good things," Toth said on the move.
"The whole club, the whole structure is great. When I was speaking to the directors, it was quite obvious for me because they were such good guys. I am really looking forward to achieving great things and making good results with this team."
Bournemouth's head of football operations, Tiago Pinto, added: "I'm really pleased to bring such a young talent in Alex to the club and I'm looking forward to working with him.
"He has come from a club that is used to competing at the highest level in Hungary, while also featuring in Europe, so we're excited about what he can bring to us in Bournemouth as he continues to develop further under the coaching of Andoni."
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We asked for your thoughts after Monday's Premier League game between Brighton and Bournemouth.
Here are some of your comments:
Brighton fans
Jon: Another poor home performance. Not starting Minteh and Baleba was a huge error, which we paid for. Gruda is not up to the task - everyone appears to see that, apart from Hurzeler. We can forget European aspirations; at this rate, we will struggle to achieve mid-table mediocrity.
David: Unfortunately, back to slow, laborious, side-to-side play with the ball, giving the opposition time to organise their defence, and we do not have the players able to walk through defences. Bournemouth only had one thought with the ball: attack at speed. We needed to do that, couldn't and deserved no more than a point.
Anon: Brighton showed the urgency of a tortoise who is past its bedtime - until Minteh came on. But too often that is the case. They need to dwell less and hurry more.
Alfie: Very frustrating, but it seems to be the Brighton way at the moment. Let the opponent take the lead in the first half and then work hard in the second and get a lucky last-minute equaliser! Tony Bloom always talks about sustainability, but attempting to play matches like this is anything but that!
Bournemouth fans
Jools: Cherries have punched above their weight for so long that it has become expected. Many of our closest rivals have got bigger, and now we are gasping for breath!
Peter: A gutsy away performance by AFCB. Adli's best start, and Evanilson was unlucky not to score. We did have to hang on, but it is clear that the players were worn out, and we desperately need reinforcements. Bravo Jimenez, excellent again!
Anon: If only we had managed to stay on our feet then we might have got more from the game.
Dale Johnson
Football issues correspondent
Image source, Getty ImagesClear and obvious? That is the question Brighton will probably be asking after Bournemouth's VAR penalty.
Had referee Paul Tierney identified the contact by Bart Verbruggen on Amine Adli and simply said 'no penalty', then a pitchside review was unlikely. His description would have been a justifiable interpretation.
The intervention from the VAR was based around Tierney getting that wrong. Tierney booked the Bournemouth attacker for simulation. That was incorrect and it opened the door for a review.
The VAR still had to feel this reached the threshold for a penalty, though. There was an argument that the contact was slight and not enough to make Adli go down.
A key factor was that Verbruggen's challenge made in an irregular way, with a high boot catching the thigh of Adli after he had gone past.
That Adli may not have been able to keep the ball in play does not matter, only that it was still in when the foul contact happened.
Bournemouth plan to resist any bids for Marcos Senesi this month even though the 28-year-old Argentine has turned down multiple offers to extend his contract, which expires in the summer. Juventus and Barcelona have shown interest in the defender. (Talksport), external
Want more transfer stories? Read Tuesday's full gossip column
Late goal very harsh on Bournemouth - Iraola
Bournemouth boss Andoni Iraola speaking to BBC Match of the Day: "It is very harsh, very harsh for us because we were so close to getting the three points. We played a really good first half and had our chances, we scored one and we were controlling the game.
"In the second half we didn't have the energy to keep these intensity levels and we had to defend a little bit lower, especially after the Brighton subs, but we were doing well. At the end it is an incredible goal from Kostoulas.
"We had to defend deep and compact, and as we did in the first half you have to come together a bit more. You know you are probably going to concede some set pieces and you have to do the basics and defend your box.
"I have seen the [Brighton] goal, and it is very difficult to blame the players. We had Senesi in front of him but it is a bicycle kick, outside top corner, it's incredible. Looking at the replay I was trying to see what we could do better but it is impossible.
"Lately we have been very close to winning, and in difficult stadiums, for example against Newcastle in the cup, lose on penalties. Maybe before the game you say one point is good, Brighton away is a difficult place, but seeing how the game has evolved we might not think it is good for us."
Did you know?
Bournemouth have lost 18 points from winning positions in the Premier League this season, more than any other side.
Bournemouth's Marcus Tavernier has netted six goals in all competitions this season, his best-ever return in single campaign.
Keifer MacDonald
BBC Sport journalist
Image source, Getty ImagesIf there were Bournemouth fans fearing the worst when talisman Antoine Semenyo left the club to join Manchester City earlier this month, this performance from the Cherries is proof that there is still a lot to be optimistic about on the south coast.
In his side's first Premier League outing since the forward's £65m transfer to Etihad Stadium, Andoni Iraola handed Amine Adli only his fourth Premier League start since joining from Bayer Leverkusen last August.
The Morocco international was lively throughout the night and was able to earn his side a penalty with his speed and willingness to break into the box during the first half.
On the other flank, the skill and trickery of Eli Junior Kroupi, one of the breakout stars of the Premier League season, although far from his scintillating best, served as another reminded that Bournemouth still possess plenty of quality in attack.
But the sight of goalscorer Tavernier being replaced by veteran full-back Adam Smith in the 71st minute was a sobering reminder that Bournemouth are short on quantity - and are in urgent need of attacking reinforcements before the transfer window closes on 2 February.
Tavernier departed the pitch at the same time as Kroupi and from there, only Brighton looked like scoring.
It was a disappointing way for Bournemouth's night to end after an impressive performance on the road.
But after Iraola called for more players to be added to his squad this month, he could use this match as evidence to present to the club's board to back up his point.
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Whether you were at the game or following from elsewhere, we want to know what you learned.
Have your say on Brighton's performance
What did you make of Bournemouth's display?
Come back on Tuesday for a selection of your replies
Fabian Hurzeler makes four changes to the Brighton side that beat Manchester United in the FA Cup last weekend, with Verbruggen, Dunk, Van Hecke and Mitoma returning to the starting XI.
Brighton XI: Verbruggen, Veltman, van Hecke, Dunk, Kadioglu, Hinshelwood, Gross, Gomez, Gruda, Mitoma, Welbeck. Subs: Steele, Rutter, Minteh, Baleba, Kostoulas, Milner, Boscagli, Ayari, Coppola.
The visitors, meanwhile, hand forward Amine Adli only a fourth start of the league campaign as they begin life without Antoine Semenyo in the Premier League.
AFC Bournemouth XI: Petrovic, Jimenez, Hill, Senesi, Truffert, Cook, Scott, Adli, Tavernier, Junior Kroupi, Evanilson. Subs: Forster, Christie, Smith, Diakite, Milosavljevic, Rees-Dottin, DaCosta, Sadi, Stevens.
Nizaar Kinsella
Football reporter
Image source, Getty ImagesBournemouth are in advanced talks to sign Lazio goalkeeper Christos Mandas on a loan deal with a conditional obligation to buy.
The value of the clause is expected to be under £21m, and understood to be difficult to trigger, with a high number of appearances and an unlikely European finish among the conditions being discussed.
Mandas has played 33 times for the Italian top flight club and is a two-time Greece international.
The Cherries negotiated a similar structure when they signed Alex Jimenez from AC Milan in the summer, and he now looks set to meet the targets required for a permanent move.
Dorde Petrovic is Bournemouth's first-choice keeper, while Fraser Forster recently joined as back-up.
Matthew Hobbs
BBC Sport journalist
Brighton are bidding to continue a good run of home form this season against a Bournemouth side aiming for back-to-back league wins for the first time since August.
BBC Sport examines some of the key themes going into Monday's meeting at Amex Stadium.
Brighton return to home comforts
Brighton return to the Premier League and the familiar surroundings of the Amex following an impressive FA Cup win at Manchester United.
The Seagulls have generally been strong at home this season, with their solitary defeat coming in a chaotic seven-goal contest against Aston Villa in December - and while Fabian Hurzeler's side have since been held by West Ham United and Sunderland, they got back to winning ways against Burnley in their most recent Amex outing.
Part of Brighton's consistent home record so far has been down to an ability to bounce back when going behind, including the 1-1 draw with West Ham on 7 December, during which Georginio Rutter scored a 91st-minute equaliser, along with home wins over Manchester City and Chelsea earlier this season.
Brighton have conceded the opening goal on 12 occasions in 2025-26 and gone on to avoid defeat in seven matches (W3, D4) – the most of any Premier League side.
Affairs were slightly more straightforward when Brighton switched competitions last weekend, triumphing at Old Trafford in the FA Cup courtesy of a virtuoso performance by Danny Welbeck.
The 42-cap England international has been used sparingly in his 16th campaign of top-flight football, although he has still managed to score eight goals – tying his career-best tally after 21 league matches, despite starting just 12.
Welbeck is only two goals away from equalling the best total league tally of his career with 17 games remaining, and if the former Arsenal and Manchester United forward can stay fit and in form, he may yet make a compelling case to be on England's plane to the World Cup later this summer.
Bournemouth searching for away win
Bournemouth rediscovered winning ways of their own last time out in the Premier League, ending an unwanted club record of 11 top-flight fixtures without a victory by beating Tottenham at Vitality Stadium.
Junior Kroupi was again a key performer, scoring his seventh goal of the season in the 3-2 triumph. The 19-year-old has impressed in his first campaign of Premier League football, with only four non-British teenagers - Romelu Lukaku, Nclas Anelka, Robbie Keane and Kelechi Iheanacho - having scored more in a season in the competition.
The Cherries did not enjoy the FA Cup weekend as much as Monday's opponents, again failing to find a way to win away from home and being eliminated on penalties following a 3-3 draw at Newcastle United.
Bournemouth have not won on the road in any competition since a 1-0 victory at Tottenham on 30 August - a run of nine matches, with only Leeds, Burnley and Wolves picking up fewer Premier League points than Bournemouth's seven away from home.
Andoni Iraola's side have also lost on their past four visits to the Amex, although they may take confidence from beating Brighton at home earlier this season as they target just a second Premier League double in this fixture and first since 2019.
Bournemouth and West Ham are interested in Real Betis' Spanish winger Pablo Garcia, 19, and are prepared to pay his £26m buyout clause. (Fichajes - in Spanish), external
Want more transfer stories? Read Monday's full gossip column
Antoine Semenyo is a huge miss for Bournemouth now he has joined Manchester City, but they are still an attack-minded team and I always fancy them to score.
Brighton are the same, in that they look dangerous when they come forward but can also appear very open.
So this should be a very entertaining game and we should see a few goals too. I just can't pick a winner.
Sutton's prediction: 2-2
Chelsea want to bring in a defender this window with Bournemouth's Argentina international Marcos Senesi, 28, among several targets. (Talksport), external
Want more transfer stories? Read Friday's full gossip column
Image source, Getty ImagesLeft-back Ade Solanke says he is "over the moon" to have signed for Bournemouth on a long-term deal from Ligue 1 side FC Lorient.
The 18-year-old signed the contract on his birthday this month and will go straight into the Cherries' academy set-up.
Solanke has featured for Lorient's under-19s and reserve sides and has represented the Republic of Ireland 31 times from under-15 to under-18 level, most recently appearing at the Fifa Under-17 World Cup in Qatar.
"I am over the moon. I feel it's been a long time coming but I'm delighted to be here, and I can't wait to get started," the former Shamrock Rovers youth player said.
"With AFC Bournemouth being a Premier League club, a move like this is something I've dreamt of. I am grateful and I thank God, I am really happy.
"The vision of where everyone wants this club to go and where the club is going, it played a big part in my decision to come to AFC Bournemouth."
Solanke follows in the steps of a number of players to have come from Bournemouth's partner club Lorient, including summer signing Eli Junior Kroupi, who has scored seven goals since his debut in August.
Sam Gisborne, head of academy at Bournemouth, added: "We're really pleased to welcome Ade Solanke to the academy.
"He's someone we've been monitoring for a period of time, and we believe this is a great environment for him to continue his development."
Josh Lobley
BBC Sport journalist
Bournemouth boss Andoni Iraola has been speaking to the media before Monday's Premier League game against Brighton at Amex Stadium (kick-off 20:00 GMT).
Here are the key lines from his chat with BBC Radio Solent:
Iraola says his squad will "continue be thin" for Monday's match, adding: "David Brooks has some issues with his ankle, I don't know if he will be available. Ryan Christie is on the positive side, we could recover him."
He added that Enes Unal's injury is not major, and hopes he will only be out for two or three weeks.
On how he can replace the output of Antoine Semenyo: "We need players in his position and the club is working on it. We also need players already here to step up. It is not going to be just one; it will be a collective."
Iraola was reluctant to say much about the club's links to Hungarian midfielder Alex Toth, but said on the window in general: "We are open to a lot of situations in January. You are not going to find the perfect player but you have to be open-minded."
When asked how many players could arrive at Vitality Stadium this month: "We could sign two, three, four. In our heads, three is probably the number we have because we need to replace three positions."
On why Brighton are "so difficult to prepare for", Iraola said: "They have so many different routes to goal. They like to change their starting 11. In the last 30 minutes of games they have a plus-10 goal difference which is massive. It says a lot about the subs, who keep or even increase their level."
He was asked if he enjoys the Monday night slot of Premier League football: "I love to play late at night because I think proper football is played at night. But I get more nervous when we are not playing [over the weekend] when you are looking at the other results."
Hear more from Iraola on BBC Sounds
Follow all of Thursday's Premier League news conferences and the rest of the day's football news
