Two sources insist club ‘attentive’ to Bournemouth player – Have plans to ‘formalise contract’

Villarreal are in the picture to sign AFC Bournemouth’s Jefferson Lerma.

The Colombia international’s contract expires next June, and this has drawn the La Liga side’s attention.

Sport have a short update stating the player has ended up in the Yellow Submarine’s sights and they are ‘attentive’ to his situation at Bournemouth.

Villarreal keeping tabs on the 28-year-old is discussed by another Spanish newspaper, El Periódico Mediterráneo, local to Villarreal. Lerma is viewed as a ‘bargain’ signing due to the time left on his current deal at the Vitality Stadium.

The La Liga side’s business in recent years indicates they are the specialists in signing free agents.

This strategy is expected to continue next summer, for when the Cherries player is identified as their target.

Villarreal technical leader Miguel Ángel Tena is following Gary O’Neil’s man, while the Yellow Submarine’s coaches have followed his progress in the Premier League since the start of this season.

After being on the Spanish club’s radar in the past, they may be in a position to secure the ex-Levante man’s services next year.

Villarreal could ‘formalise the contract’ and ‘legally bind his signing’ in January for Lerma to arrive at the club next season.

Sport and El Periódico Mediterráneo mention Villarreal’s plans to sign Lerma on a free transfer and provide no update on whether he is open to joining them.