West Ham United and Crystal Palace are reportedly keen on signing Jefferson Lerma if he leaves fellow Premier League club Bournemouth.
Jefferson Lerma is expected to leave Bournemouth as a free agent this summer. And Crystal Palace and West Ham United hope to snap him up on a Bosman move. A report from TEAMtalk claims that the 28-year-old is unlikely to sign a new contract with the Cherries and extend his stay at the Premier League club.
Lerma has been a reliable presence in the midfield for Bournemouth sincec joining them in a club-record €30 million deal, and he could prove to be a quality acquisition for both West Ham and Crystal Palace. The Hammers will need to bring in a quality alternative to Declan Rice when the midfielder moves on.
The 24-year-old is set to leave West Ham at the end of the season, and he wants to join a club in the Champions League. Rice has been linked with clubs like Arsenal and Chelsea in recent months. Lerma is already well-settled in the Premier League, and he could prove to be a quality option for West Ham.
The 28-year-old is likely to be tempted if the London club comes calling in the summer. But West Ham have also shown interest in several other midfielders, including Conor Gallagher. Meanwhile, Crystal Palace could use midfield reinforcements as well and signing a Premier League-proven player could prove to be a wise decision.
The 28-year-old will be hoping to take the next step in his career, and he will want to join a club capable of finishing in the top half. There is no doubt that West Ham and Crystal Palace have talented squads. It has been a disappointing season for both clubs, but they are capable of doing much better.
Both London clubs might change managers at the end of the season. David Moyes has been linked with an exit for months now, and Crystal Palace have brought in Roy Hodgson on a short-term deal until the end of the season.
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Meanwhile, Bournemouth have done well to pull clear of the drop zone, and Lerma has been a key performer for them. It remains to be seen whether the Cherries can convince their club-record €30 million signing to extend his contract with them and stay at the club.
AFC Bournemouth supporter – We are hopeful as a club of securing our “Local man’” Jeff Lerma’s signature going into the new season, and talks are ongoing with Jeff’s Agent. What I will say however is this. If Jeff decides not to extend his contract with AFC Bournemouth he is very unlikely to remain in the UK, therefore other premier league teams circling to secure his signature will be disappointed. Columbian Jeff, who speaks very little English wants to play for a Spanish team, this has been dear to his heart for some time now. As Spanish is his first language this makes sense. We will all miss Jeff, at AFCB. Joining us in 2018 he has been an absolute solid rock for our Club. Jeff is a very talented, passionate, and dedicated hard working player, who has given, and continues to give his all to AFC Bournemouth, for which we will always be grateful to him for.
He also has a friendly funny side to his personality despite the language barrier. For these reasons Jeff is without any shadow of doubt a firm favourite at our club and will always be remembered with affection. Whatever he decides to do we wish him and his Wife and young family the very best in the future.