CHERRIES are close to their second signing of the summer with Joe Rothwell set to arrive on a free transfer, the Daily Echo understands.

Rothwell has been heavily linked with a move to the south coast since the turn of the year.

The midfielder, formerly of Blackburn Rovers, is understood to have come close to joining Cherries during the January transfer window.

He remained at Rovers until the end of the season, with his Rovers contract set to expire at the end of this month.

The Daily Echo understands Rothwell is at the closing stages of sealing a move to boost Scott Parker’s midfield options ahead of the new campaign.

A former Manchester United youngster, Rothwell joined Blackburn from Oxford United in June 2018.

The 27-year-old scored three goals and provided 10 assists from 41 Championship appearances last season.

That took his overall tally of matches to 161 for the Ewood Park side.

Cherries on Wednesday finalised a deal to sign full-back Ryan Fredericks on a free transfer, meaning Rothwell would become their second summer signing.

He would be competing for a place in Cherries’ midfield alongside the likes of Jefferson Lerma, Ben Pearson, Philip Billing, Lewis Cook and Gavin Kilkenny.

Cherries begin their pre-season work tomorrow, when the squad head back in for testing.

Their first Premier League fixture comes against Aston Villa at Vitality Stadium on Saturday, August 6.