CHERRIES are "lining up a move" for Stoke City defender Marc Wilson, according to reports.

Stoke boss Mark Hughes admitted earlier this week that the Republic of Ireland international was "likely" to exit Britannia Stadium.

And ESPNFC.co.uk reports Cherries "are now ready to offer Wilson a way out of Stoke".

Sky Sports subsequently suggested the clubs had agreed a £2million fee and that the deal would be completed within 48 hours.

However, the Daily Echo understands the fee could be closer to £1.5m with Wilson pondering the club's offer of a two-year deal. 

He is believed to be among the spectators for this afternoon's opening-day clash with Manchester United.

The 28-year-old, who spent two loan spells at Cherries in 2007, attracted controversy with comments on Twitter recently.

Speaking ahead of this weekend, Hughes told the Sentinel: “It's fair to say that sometimes players can be frustrated with a perceived lack of opportunity and that's the case with Marc.

“He's maybe expressed himself in the wrong way and it's fair to say that Marc probably feels his future lies elsewhere and it's fair to say I probably agree with him.

“So the likelihood is that if there's a deal to be done, Marc will take that opportunity and carry on his career elsewhere."

Wilson had previously caused controversy when he wrote on Twitter: "I think we have gotten away from being a tight compact unit when we lose the ball."

On another occasion, he added: "I think I deserve game time, only way to get fit but hey that's down to the manager. Finished last season horrifically."