Bournemouth has reportedly slapped a hefty price tag of £10 million on Mark Travers, hinting at a significant valuation for the player.

At 25 years old, Travers had a successful loan spell at Stoke City last season, impressing both the player and the club. Despite facing a temporary return to his parent club due to injuries, he reclaimed his spot as the first-choice goalkeeper on the south coast later in the season. Stoke, in the meantime, secured Viktor Johansson from Rotherham United for around £1 million, a move that stands out as a bargain compared to Travers’ valuation.

Johansson, aged 25, is highly regarded in the Championship, whereas Iversen, 26, had an estimated value of £6 million a year ago. Celtic and Crystal Palace are rumored to be eyeing Travers, but the steep asking price might deter potential suitors.

With Stoke already securing Johansson as their new number one, Travers’s future remains uncertain. Manager Andoni Iraola is reportedly looking to bring in a new keeper, indicating that Travers might be on his way out if the right offer comes along. This shift marks a significant change, as Stoke has not made such a decisive move in the goalkeeper position since the signing of Thomas Sorensen in 2008.

Reflecting on the decision to sign Johansson, head coach Steven Schumacher mentioned that the club had been monitoring the player for some time, highlighting his standout performances even during Rotherham’s challenging season. While Iversen was another contender, Stoke opted for Johansson due to his impressive form and availability.

As the transfer window unfolds, the fate of Mark Travers hangs in the balance, with clubs weighing their options and potential deals in the mix.

However, after finalizing our recruitment at the end of the season, we deliberated on our next steps and unanimously chose to pursue Viktor Johansson. Observing his performance in the latter half of the season, we were impressed.

“I had a conversation with him, outlining our playing style, club vision, and goals for the future. He expressed eagerness to join us,” said the team official.

While acknowledging other suitors, Johansson opted to join us in a key role, aiming to support our ambition to compete at the division’s summit next season.

Securing this deal early is a significant accomplishment for us, highlighting the dedication and effort from everyone involved in the negotiation process.”