Brad Smith on the verge of Bournemouth switch

Liverpool left-back Brad Smith looks set to join fellow Premier League side AFC Bournemouth in a reported £6 million ($10.5 million) deal.

The Australian international will no doubt be seeking more regular game time, despite making ten appearances for the Reds last season, including four in the Premier League.

Smith will be the second Liverpool player to move to the South Coast club, with young winger Jordan Ibe already having made the switch to Bournemouth earlier in the window for a reported £15 million fee.

The deal allegedly features a buy-back clause for the 22-year-old left back, with Liverpool obviously still holding hopes for Smiths future.

Smith will be looking to continue a stellar last two years, which has included nine appearances for the Socceroos and a breakthrough into the Liverpool first team.

Some solid performances in last year’s FA Cup including a first senior goal in Liverpool’s third round victory over Exeter City and two impressive displays against West Ham in the fourth round, certainly showcased Smith’s attacking potential.

However, a disastrous display against Swansea, which culminated in his sending off, highlighted some of the flaws in the defensive side of his game which Smith will no doubt be looking to rectify with more game time.

If the transfer goes through, Smith will likely find himself competing against Tyrone Mings, the highly-rated former Ipswich player, and former Welsh youth international Rhoys Wiggins for the left-back spot.

Exciting times certainly await for Smith, with Bournemouth’s first match of the new Premier League season at home to Manchester United.