CHERRIES are one of three English clubs interested in signing Rio Ave defender Toni Borevkovic, according to Portuguese outlet A Bola.

The 6ft 4in centre-back is also said to be being closely followed by Blackburn Rovers and Newcastle United, as well as Cherries.

Borevkovic, 22, has featured regularly for Rio Ave in Portugal's top flight this season, a club managed by former Swansea City boss Carlos Carvalhal.

In quotes translated from A Bola, Blackburn is said to "present itself as the most serious and sustained" interest in the 22-year-old, adding how Rio Ave "hope to hold the centre-back until the end of the season".

Borevkovic played the full 90 minutes of Rio Ave's 2-0 win over Boavista on Sunday, a result which sees them stay seventh in Primeira Liga.