Cherries boss Lee Bradbury is set to further bolster his squad with the signing of Charlton Athletic defender Simon Francis.
The 26-year-old will initially sign on loan on Monday – with the deal due to be made permanent when the transfer window reopens in January.
Bradbury tried to sign Francis, his former Southend team-mate, during pre-season but a proposed move collapsed after the parties had been unable to agree personal terms.
Francis, who operates predominantly as a right-back, is out of contract at the end of the season and is likely to join Cherries for a nominal fee in the region of £25,000.
A former England youth international, Francis started his career as an apprentice at Bradford City before earning a £200,000 move to Sheffield United in 2004.
Alongside Bradbury, he helped Southend win promotion to the Championship in 2006, going on to make 180 appearances for the Shrimpers.
Francis played 38 times for Charlton last season after joining the Addicks for £35,000 from Southend 18 months ago.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel