New AFC Bournemouth transfer update could spark Stoke City, Sorba Thomas exit fear | OneFootball

Stoke City's Sorba Thomas had previously been linked with a move to Bournemouth earlier this month

AFC Bournemouth manager Andoni Iraola has admitted that his side is still on the hunt for another signing before the end of the window, with this latest revelation putting Stoke City on high alert.

According to Sky Sports' Mark McAdam, Bournemouth are in the market for one more addition ahead of the transfer deadline on Monday.

The Cherries are said to be after someone who can play as either a winger or wing-back, and have a list of three potential targets, with Luis Henrique at Inter one of them.

Though fears will be growing around Stoke City with Welsh international Sorba Thomas potentially one of those options, with The Daily Mail having previously credited the Premier League side with a move for the winger, who can also play wing-back.

Stoke City will be on high alert over Sorba Thomas' interest amid Andoni Iraola's recent comments at Bournemouth

Indeed, Iraola's recent comments will spark some anxiety around the Stoke camp, as they will be desperate to keep hold of Thomas beyond the transfer deadline.

Following Antoine Semenyo's £64 million move to Manchester City from Bournemouth, the Cherries have actively sought out replacements for the Ghanaian.

Despite having completed the signing of Brazilian winger Rayan from Vasco da Gama for £24.7 million, Bournemouth don't look to be quite done just yet.

Throughout his career, Thomas has played in a variety of positions, but is most effective when out wide, with his ability to whip in dangerous crosses a trademark of his game, having predominantly played off the left for Stoke this season and as a wing-back for Wales.

Thomas fits the mould as to exactly what Iraola is looking for, though whether Stoke would be willing to part ways with their star man late on in the window appears doubtful, with only a lucrative fee likely enough to prise him away from the Potteries.

The 27-year-old only joined Stoke last summer from Huddersfield Town, but has taken his game to the next level under Mark Robins in Staffordshire, and these latest comments from Iraola will only serve to worry them.

Indeed, the last thing that Robins will want before the window closes is to see Thomas depart, having emerged as an integral figure in the Potters' ranks this campaign.

The Welshman has taken his game to the next level at the bet365 Stadium this campaign, with nine goals and six assists in 29 league games so far this season, starting every single game for the Potters in the Championship.

With Stoke having netted just 34 league goals this campaign, this means that Thomas has directly contributed to 44% of his side's goals, the highest margin of any player in the second tier at this stage.

His importance goes beyond his goal contributions, as with Stoke's injury-ravaged squad, the Welshman's availability has proved to be vital, having even deputised at right-back in their 1-1 draw away to Birmingham City in their last outing.

Stoke and Robins will be hoping that Thomas is not on Bournemouth's list of targets, otherwise it could be a turbulent end to the month for the Potters, who must do everything they can to keep the Welshman at the club if they have serious hopes of a play-off place.