BOURNEMOUTH

Title Odds 1,000/1

In David Brooks (Sheffield United, £11.5m), Diego Rico (Leganes, £10.7m), Jefferson Lerma (Levante, £25m)

Out Lewis Grabban (Nottingham Forest, £6m), Benik Afobe (Wolves, £10m), Max Gradel (Toulouse, undisclosed), Adam Federici (Stoke City, undisclosed), Ryan Allsop (Wycombe, free), Sam Matthews (Bristol Rovers, free), Joe Quigley (Maidstone, free), Mikael Ndjoli (Kilmarnock, loan), Baily Cargill (released), Rhoys Wiggins (retired), Ollie Harfield (released), Patrick O’flaherty (released), Sam Surridge (Oldham, loan)

Net spend £31.2m What’s new?

Bournemouth start their fourth straight season in the Premier League with a few judicious signings in young Welsh midfielder David Brooks from Sheffield United and Spanish left-back Diego Rico from Leganes. Rico was so impressive in La Liga last season that Borussia Dortmund tried to hijack his move. A left-back with impressive anticipation and a willingness to get forward, Rico could quickly become a fans’ favourite if he makes a quick start.

Most exciting signing

Jefferson Lerma’s arrival for a club-record fee earlier this week was a signal of Bournemouth’s ambition and the fact that the days they were considered “plucky” are long gone (if they were ever there at all). The Colombian had a strong World Cup, playing in all their matches, and will add thrust and strength in midfield, as well as a little streetwise nous.

How will they play?

Eddie Howe (right) switched between three and four at the back last season, but whatever the system the game plan remained similar: keep the ball diligently when in possession and press relentlessly when out of it. The main tactical tweak comes in matches against “Big Six” teams when Bournemouth sit deep and try to play on the counter.

Who has it all to prove?

The ever-reliable left-back Charlie Daniels could be a little put out by Rico’s arrival. Fortunately for Daniels, who has been at Bournemouth for seven years, Rico is likely to be suspended for the first three games of the season because of a ban hanging over from last term. Daniels must grasp the opportunity.

Who will be player of the year?

Midfielder Lewis Cook enjoyed a breakthrough campaign last season and earned his first England cap before being placed on the standby list for the World Cup. Still only 21, if Cook can continue to progress in the next few months, expect him to feature more heavily in Gareth Southgate’s plans as he prepares for Euro 2020.

Manager’s survival rating

In Eddie we trust has become the Bournemouth mantra, with Howe held in extremely high regard after a decade in charge (interrupted by a year at Burnley). It feels more likely that Howe will agitate for a move than be pushed out. 9/10

If they were a World Cup side they would be …

Russia. Written off by most of the pundits before a ball has been kicked, but better equipped – and funded – than they look.