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Watford, Bournemouth and Norwich: Where must they strengthen?

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It goes without saying; a team promoted from the Championship is likely to need strengthening to have any chance of Premier League survival come May. For Bournemouth, Watford and Norwich, that is the predicament facing them this summer.

We take a look at where each of the new boys need to improve their squad in order to keep their place in the top flight. 

Bournemouth

“Predominantly we will go British-based,” Eddie Howe told Sky Sports in May, and the Bournemouth boss has stuck to his word thus far. The Cherries have been busy, securing five new signings before the window opens, with more reportedly on the cusp of being finalised.

Of those five, two of Bournemouth’s new boys are goalkeepers, so there’s unlikely to be any further movement in that department. Artur Boruc played 39 times last season during his loan spell from Southampton, and the Polish shot-stopper has now secured a permanent deal with the club. Additionally, Adam Federici has joined and will provide back-up to Boruc following the expiration of his contract at Reading.

Image: Eddie Howe told Sky Sports he wants to buy British-based players this summer

Defensively, Bournemouth have already spent big. Tyrone Mings’ £8m move from Ipswich was a club-record fee and that is unlikely to be bettered this summer. He will take Charlie Daniels’ left-back berth, while Sylvain Distin’s arrival will provide the competition for places rarely seen in the Bournemouth defence last term. If reports are to be believed, Distin will become the Cherries’ highest-paid player ever, earning £40,000-a-week.

Bournemouth’s first-choice midfield is strong, but don’t be surprised if Howe dips into the transfer funds to strengthen it with some Premier League experience. Matt Ritchie scored four goals in his last three Championship games – perhaps a signal to his manager that he’s ready for the fight ahead – while Harry Arter is a stalwart in the centre of midfield, netting nine times last season.

The club have been linked with St Etienne’s Max Gradel, while rumours are swirling surrounding former Manchester City midfielder Abdisalam Ibrahim and Crystal Palace’s Adlene Guedioura. The south-coast outfit have already tied up a loan deal for pacy Chelsea winger Christian Atsu, but expect some more movement in the Cherries midfield before September; they could do with adding some steel to the spine of the team.

Bournemouth
Image: Bournemouth's most recent signing was Tyrone Mings for £8m

The biggest point of contention between Bournemouth fans is that of their forward line. Is Yann Kermorgant good enough to play a starring role next season? Will the club’s hierarchy splash the cash on a big name? Sticking to his comments in May regarding buying British-based players, Howe has already secured the signing of Josh King from Blackburn. An ambitious attempt to sign Dimitar Berbatov was rumoured earlier in the month, while everyone from Charlie Austin to Glenn Murray has been touted. It’s safe to say Bournemouth will need a forward next season, especially if they lose talented 23-goal man Callum Wilson to a top-half club.

Watford

As with Bournemouth, Watford’s goalkeeping situation is already sorted. Heurelho Gomes has just signed a new three-year-deal, while 27-year-old Lithuanian keeper Giedrius Arlauskis has been confirmed as a new arrival.

Watford started their final Championship game with a back three of Craig Cathcart, Gabriele Angella and Matthew Connolly. The latter was only on loan, and you’d expect new Hornets boss Quique Flores to significantly improve his back-line ahead of the new season.

Image: Watford's first signing was defender Sebastian Prodl from Werder Bremen

Even before the current manager’s arrival, Watford had secured a deal for Sebastian Prodl from Werder Bremen, immediately giving them a wealth of international experience at the back. They are also reportedly close to agreeing a deal for Olympiakos left-back Jose Holebas, who kept Ashley Cole out of the Roma team while on loan there last term. Those two additions are a solid start, but you’d expect Flores to look at some top-flight experience ahead of the season opener on August 8.

In the midfield, Watford had been linked with a double swoop for Tottenham’s Etienne Capoue and Paulinho, two signings that would have signalled a real statement of intent. Paulinho though, has just agreed a £10million deal to move to China. Nevertheless, there will certainly be movement in the midfield, and some reports state that a club-record £7m fee has been agreed with Genoa for winger Diego Perotti. Elsewhere, Crystal Palace midfielder Adlene Guedioura impressed last season while on loan, and the Hornets still harbour interest in signing the Algerian on a permanent deal.

Quique Sanchez Flores
Image: Quique Flores has a tough job on his hands to keep Watford in the Premier League

The club have a ready-made Premier League strike partnership in Troy Deeney and Matej Vydra, and keeping Deeney in the yellow of Watford could well be worth more than any new signing. There has been interest from Newcastle and Swansea among others, but Watford’s asking price could ward off potential suitors.

Alongside Deeney, you would expect Flores to bring in another new face, with FC Sion striker Moussa Konate linked. According to the Swiss club’s president, Watford have already paid them a visit to discuss a potential deal.

Norwich

As play-off winners, Norwich have had a little less time to conduct their business. That said, they have been busy in the early stages. Graham Dorrans enjoyed a loan spell at Carrow Road last season, and the club were swift in their decision to make the move permanent. He knows the surroundings, and has Premier League experience heading into next season.

While tying up a deal with West Brom for Dorrans, the Canaries swooped for Youssouf Mulumbu, too. The DR Congo midfielder provides yet more experience and Norwich boss Alex Neil believes he will bring competition to the midfield.

Norwich City's Graham Dorrans celebrates after scoring against Bolton
Image: Graham Dorrans' loan spell from West Brom was made permanent this summer

As with many teams in the Premier League – regulars and newbies alike – a proven goalscorer is perhaps top of the agenda. Norwich have Cameron Jerome and will expect him to kick on after an impressive 20-goal campaign last time out. He has top-flight experience, but has never really hit the lofty heights initially expected of him. Under the stewardship of Neil, Canaries fans will be hoping now is his time.

The club have enquired about a move for Blackburn striker Rudy Gestede, and will need to add firepower to retain their place in the Premier League come May. They are second favourites to get relegated, but have solid foundations and an exciting young manager. Robbie Brady is another player heavily linked in the press, with Norwich said to have offered £2m to Hull for his services.

Norwich City's Cameron Jerome celebrates scoring his sides first goal of the game during the Sky Bet Championship Play Off Final at Wembley Stadium, London
Image: Cameron Jerome: Norwich will be hoping he can kick on next season

There have been no big-money rumours with Norwich, no record-breaking fees and astronomic wage increases. Alex Neil is a down-to-earth manager, wanting to keep the core of his side together and spirits high in his camp. That’s all well and good, but fans will be hoping to watch a few new faces when they arrive at Carrow Road for the season opener in August.

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