Bournemouth boss Eddie Howe is shopping for a January replacement for Nathan Ake.

The Sun says the Cherries are set to spark a £40million scramble for Ake.

And Howe is keen to line up a replacement centre-back in a hurry.

He knows the offers could come in the next transfer window and his spies are checking out possible replacements around Europe.

They have been focusing on Italy's Serie A for young defenders who would fit the bill.

Brentford star Chris Mepham is also fancied but Howe failed to land the 21-year-old last term.