As things stand, the only way Jefferson Lerma is getting closer to Bournemouth is geographically, as the Colombian defensive midfielder is returning from his holiday back home to meet up with his team in Holland.
Currently finishing up their preseason, Levante requested for their star man to return from his vacation ‘more or less amicably’, and he should be arriving around midday today, according to Superdeporte.
Lerma was considering pushing his luck and trying to stay away from the team a while longer, as a sort of informal protest against the La Liga side’s decision to reject Bournemouth’s latest bid for him, but in the end, he decided it was best to voice his discontent in person.
The Cherries’ last offer consisted of €25m up front + €2m in bonuses and 15% of any future sale, and Lerma is said to be annoyed at Levante’s decision to turn it down.
For him, the chance to go to Bournemouth represents a financially unique opportunity for all involved, and he’s pushing for it.
Following this latest setback, the Cherries are now reported to be focusing on a midfield alternative, unwilling to pay €30m for Lerma, which is how much Levante want, and have turned their attention to Krasnodar’s Viktor Claesson, who would only cost them €10m.
However, with Eddie Howe seeing the Colombian as his number one target, Superdeporte believe there’s a good chance Bournemouth will return with an improved offer before August 9th, when the English transfer window closes.
