This article is part of Football League World’s ‘The Verdict‘ series, which provides personal opinions from the FLW writers regarding the latest breaking news, teams, players, managers, potential signings and more…
Watford have joined the race for experienced Bournemouth defender Steve Cook, as reported by Football Insider.
The report states that QPR are also in pursuit of the 30-year-old, with the R's hoping to mount a serious promotion push as the season progresses.
According to The Sun, Newcastle United are also interested in a move for Cook, where former Cherries boss Eddie Howe is now at the helm.
Cook has been restricted to just three Championship appearances this season, following the continued class shown by Gary Cahill and Lloyd Kelly.
Three of our writers here at FLW have shared their thoughts regarding this potential deal...
Marcus Ally
It seems quite remarkable that Steve Cook is still only 30, so there could even be time for improvement in his game. A lot of centre backs tend to hit their peak past the age of 30 and adding some extra Premier League experience to the Hornets’ backline could be a smart move.
Cook is approaching nine years at Dean Court this January, so it would be with a heavy heart that he would depart and it could be difficult to predict how he would settle at Watford. It would not be a signing that suggests Watford could push into mid table this campaign, however in terms of achieving their aim of staying in the top-flight this season it would represent a smart bit of business.
Leadership qualities are definitely lacking in the Hornets’ squad and Cook could shoulder some of that burden in the second half of the season.
Josh Cole
This could turn out to be a clever bit of business by Watford as they may need to bolster their defensive options in January in order to avoid the risk of being dragged into a relegation battle in the coming months by the likes of Norwich City and Newcastle United.
Although Cook has struggled to make inroads on Bournemouth's starting eleven this season due to the presence of Gary Cahill and Lloyd Kelly, he does possess a wealth of Premier League experience and thus will fancy his chances of making a difference at Vicarage Road.
During his career to date, the 30-year-old has made 168 appearances in the top-flight and thus knows exactly what it takes to compete at this level.
Cook's arrival at Watford may force fellow centre-backs William Troost-Ekong and Craig Cathcart to step up their performance levels which could have a positive impact on the club's fortunes.
Ned Holmes
I can see the value in this move from a Watford perspective but I think they can be a bit more ambitious.
The Hornets are said to be considering defensive reinforcements but I'm not sure adding Cook would strengthen their squad too much.
He's been a fantastic servant for Bournemouth and didn't look particularly out of place in the Premier League for the Cherries but there have to be better options out there.
Given his contract is set to expire in the summer and he doesn't seem to be that important to Scott Parker's plans, the 30-year-old could be available cheaply but there simply has to be better options out there.
Selling Ben Wilmot cheaply and then signing Cook in the next window would be strange business.
They can do better.