Source: Bournemouth_Echo
Cherries: Bradbury swoops for Boro star Franks
Cherries boss Lee Bradbury is today poised to complete the signing of Middlesbrough striker Jonathan Franks.[LNB] The 20-year-old Teessider, who has represented England at all levels from under-16 to under-19, is set to join Cherries, initially on a month's loan.[LNB] Bradbury swooped for the talented frontman after his painstaking search for a new recruit saw him draw on his extensive list of contacts.[LNB] He was recommended to Bradbury by his former Portsmouth team-mate Gary O'Neil, who played alongside Franks at Boro before moving to West Ham last month.[LNB] Franks's arrival at Dean Court will provide Cherries with added firepower ahead of a potentially-defining series of fixtures during March.[LNB] The Stockton-born prospect will be available for their next six League One encounters, including crucial promotion clashes against Oldham, Southampton, Charlton and Peterborough.[LNB] Franks has netted three times in 29 appearances for Boro since making his debut in the Premier League against West Ham in May 2009.[LNB] He missed the start of this season after having surgery to cure a recurring back injury and has featured three times in the Championship since returning to action last month.[LNB] Speaking to the Daily Echo last night, Bradbury said: We are very fortunate to get him on board. If other clubs knew he had been available, I think a lot would have tried to sign him. We have been lucky to get him at the right time of the season and, hopefully, he can give us a little push further towards going over the line.[LNB] He has come through the ranks at Middlesbrough and is really highly thought of there.[LNB] Tony Mowbray and Middlesbrough have been excellent. He knows how hard it can be for clubs like ours to get players from Premier League or Championship clubs and was only too willing to help.[LNB] Franks, who can also play as a winger, is tomorrow expected to link up with Bradbury's squad in training, providing the signing is ratified by the Football League.[LNB] Meanwhile, Cherries' back-up goalkeeper Jon Stewart could be heading out of Dean Court.[LNB] Stewart has been given permission by Bradbury to spend the week training with Premier League strugglers West Ham.[LNB] The 21-year-old has found his chances limited with Cherries and it is understood Bradbury would not stand in his way should London-based Stewart wish to further his career elsewhere.[LNB]
