Crystal Palace chasing Bournemouth ace Jefferson Lerma with midfielder yet to agree new contract with Cherries

CRYSTAL PALACE have put Bournemouth hard man Jefferson Lerma on their wanted list.

The Eagles are interested in the Colombia midfield enforcer, 28, who is out of contract at the Cherries this summer.

Palace may firm up their move soon, once they decide what their budget is for next season, and if they are after bargains rather than buys then Lerma will be a priority.

The Eagles are also set to offer new deals to James Tomkins, Nathaniel Clyne and Joel Ward, who are free agents at the end of the campaign.

But their hopes of bringing right-back Aaron Wan-Bissaka back to Selhurst Park from Manchester United are fading because of his asking price. 

Lerma joined Bournemouth from Levante after a club record £25million in 2018.

The midfielder has since amassed a total of 12 goals and eight assists in 183 appearances.

The Cherries’ manager Gary O’Neil has stated he wants the Colombia international to stay at Dean Court.

O’Neil said last month: “Hopefully Jeff decides to stay and hopefully there can be an agreement reached.

“But I think you see from his performance [against Fulham], there’s absolutely no issue.

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“I get on great with Jeff, and he gives absolutely everything every time he plays.

“So, yeah, no problem with the situation. And Jeff’s in a good spot.”

Palace and Bournemouth have both confirmed their place for next season’s Premier League campaign after a brief relegation battle.