JORDAN Zemura will join Udinese on a free transfer at the end of the season, the Italian club have announced.

The move comes after the 23-year-old refused to enter into negotiations with Cherries over a new deal, with his current contract set to expire this summer.

The Daily Echo understands Cherries, after drawn out negotiations, tabled their final contract offer more than eight weeks ago. That is understood to have totalled in excess of £30,000 per week, plus bonuses, but the club had no response from the player or his representatives.

As such, Zemura, who had been playing a key role this season, was dropped from the matchday squad last month and has not been part of the past five first-team matches.

As revealed earlier this week by the Daily Echo, it is understood the Zimbabwe international was informed he will no longer train with Gary O’Neil’s squad, instead being sent to work with the development squad.

That was as a result of Udinese informing Cherries they had opened talks with Zemura about a potential move.

And now, the Serie A outfit have confirmed Zemura will join the club in the summer, penning a four-year contract.

Italian outfit TuttoMercato claim Zemura is set to earn around £14,000 per week at the Little Zebras, not including bonuses.

Taking to social media, Zemura said: “A lot of news has circled in the last few days about my future.

“I’d like the focus to remain with the team and them staying in the Premier League.

“I wish them the best as always and I am sure they will achieve this!”

Zemura joined Cherries from Charlton Athletic in the summer of 2019.

He made his competitive debut in an EFL Cup game against Crystal Palace in September 2020, scoring in the successful penalty shootout at Vitality Stadium, after a 0-0 draw.

His breakthrough campaign came under Scott Parker, Zemura making the left-back spot his own. He played 33 times in the Championship last term, helping the club clinch promotion to the Premier League.

And the full-back continued his progression this campaign, with 19 top-flight appearances. The last of those came in the 3-2 defeat at Arsenal.

Zemura is set to leave having made 61 Cherries appearances, scoring three goals.