CHERRIES are reportedly the “current favourites” to sign Everton’s England under-21 defender Luke Garbutt.

The Liverpool Echo claims Garbutt is close to finalising a new five-year deal with Everton – before joining another Premier League club on a season-long loan.

Garbutt, who was one of the first players to be linked with Cherries following their promotion to the top flight, is currently on duty with England in the European Under-21 Championship finals in the Czech Republic.

The 22-year-old left-back featured in England’s 1-0 win over Sweden earlier today as they kept alive their hopes of reaching the semi-finals.

Garbutt’s future at Goodison Park had been uncertain after he had stalled on signing a new contract having been offered fresh terms in February.

And the Liverpool Echo has suggested both Cherries and Swansea City were prepared to offer him a permanent deal following the expiry of his contract with Everton at the end of this month.

However, Garbutt appears to have had a change of heart and is on the verge of committing his long-term future to the Blues following lengthy negotiations with the club.

The Liverpool Echo described Cherries as the “current favourites” to take Garbutt on loan but added that an agreement was "yet to be sorted”.