Bournemouth’s goalkeeping plans stall as Mandas loan falls through

Bournemouth are desperate to plug a hole between the posts after their attempt to secure 24‑year‑old Greek goalkeeper Christos Mandas on loan fell apart, leaving the Cherries without a clear first‑choice option as they juggle Djordje Petrovic, Will Dennis and Fraser Forster.

[Getty Images] The 24‑year‑old Greek keeper spent the second half of last season on loan from Lazio but never made an appearance for the Cherries.

Lazio, a Serie A club, has made it clear that Mandas can only leave on a permanent transfer, having already completed the sale of Ivan Provedel to Inter Milan.

Bournemouth are not prepared to meet Lazio’s €18 million (£15.4 million) asking price for the Italian side’s goalkeeper.

The Cherries currently rely on Djordje Petrovic, Will Dennis and Fraser Forster between the posts, while Alex Paulsen has been sent on loan to Motherwell in the Scottish Premiership this month.

With Mandas out of the picture, the door opens for Dennis to prove he can challenge Petrovic for the starting spot.

Head coach Marco Rose and new goalkeeping coach Frederic de Boever will reassess the goalkeeping situation when they return from their 10‑day training camp in Austria.