Monday 23 July 2018 18:39, UK
Bournemouth remain in talks with Levante over the signing of midfielder Jefferson Lerma, according to Sky sources.
The two sides played each other in a friendly last Friday, where talks are understood to have continued.
Lerma signed a new contract in May with a release clause of £53.5m but it is understood Levante would accept around half of that fee. Bournemouth value him at closer to £18m.
Sky Sports News understands discussions over a £17m deal have been positive, though there is still some work to do as the 23-year-old would require a work permit.
Personal terms are not expected to be a problem, though the 23-year-old would require a work permit.
Bournemouth have made one signing so far this summer, with winger David Brooks joining from Sheffield Unitewd for a fee of £11.5m.
Lerma was part of Colombia's World Cup squad, featuring in all four of their matches in Russia, including the last-16 defeat on penalties to England.
Predominantly a defensive midfielder. who can also play at right-back, Lerma made 28 appearances for Levante last season as they finished 15th in La Liga.
He moved to Spain in the summer of 2015 from Atletico Huila in his native Colombia.
Sky sources also understand that Bournemouth are still negotiating with Leganes over the transfer of left-back Diego Rico.
The Spanish club's valuation of their player remains somewhat higher than what Bournemouth are prepared to pay, and Sky Sports News understands they are considering other options in that position, including Genoa's Diego Laxalt.
The 25-year-old made 34 appearances for the Serie A side last season and played four times for Uruguay at the World Cup.
