CHERRIES have had a bid for Villarreal striker Nicolas Jackson accepted, the Daily Echo understands.

Originally seeming set to join Cherries' neighbours and fellow Premier League strugglers Southampton, the Dorset club have moved quickly.

An upfront fee believed to be around the £20.3million mark has been agreed between Villarreal and Cherries, with the move expected to be finalised this week.

Cherries do not have another competitive fixture until the current transfer window shuts on Tuesday, January 31.

Senegal international Jackson has been frequently linked with Saints throughout the January window, with the Premier League’s bottom side looking to bolster their strike force.

The Athletic reported that Southampton had a bid below asking price turned down last week.

Cherries attempted to lure Jackson’s teammate, Arnaut Danjuma, back to the Vitality Stadium, but it appears that the Dutch international will instead opt for now managerless Everton.

Like Danjuma, Jackson has become a fringe player since Quique Seiten replaced Unai Emery as Villarreal manager, with his gametime limited in recent weeks.

In total this campaign, the 21-year-old has made 14 appearances in La Liga, scoring twice and providing two goals.

He has also struck once in the UEFA Conference League, the third tier of European competition.

Primarily a striker, Jackson is also capable of playing on either flank across the front three.