Bournemouth 'near £27m Jefferson Lerma capture'

Bournemouth are reportedly nearing a club-record £27m deal for Levante midfielder Jefferson Lerma.

Lerma, who impressed for Colombia at the 2018 World Cup, joined Levante from Atletico Huila in 2015, and is believed to have attracted a host of attention with his performances last term.

Last week, it was reported that Bournemouth had failed with a £22.2m bid for the midfielder, although it is understood that the South American has since handed in a transfer request.

According to Sky Sports News, Bournemouth are now in advanced talks with Levante over the capture of the 23-year-old, who made 28 appearances for Levante during the 2017-18 campaign.

The Cherries will open their 2018-19 Premier League campaign at home to Cardiff City on August 11.