JEFFERSON Lerma has agreed to join Cherries’ Premier League rivals Crystal Palace, the Daily Echo understands.

Cherries’ club record signing for £25million from Levante in 2018, the Dorset outfit will not recoup any of the fee paid as Lerma leaves on a free transfer.

Offered a four-year deal in the capital, the move arguably marks Lerma’s last opportunity of a financial lucrative deal, with the midfielder turning 29 in October.

Capped 33 times by Colombia, Lerma started his career with Atletico Huila in his native South American country.

Links to a return to Spain were quelled with Premier League clubs able to financially overpower potential suitors on the continent.

Whilst clubs outside of England are able to make offers to players with expiring deals six months before the end of their contracts, domestic clubs must wait until the end of the season before agreeing pre-contracts.

If the Colombian plays in Cherries’ final Premier League game of the season away at Everton on Sunday (4.30pm) he will reach 100 top-flight appearances.

In total, he has made 183 appearances in red and black, scoring 12 goals.

Having missed just one Premier League game all season, Lerma’s return of five goals this campaign is his best tally since joining Cherries.

Since joining Cherries, Lerma has been a mainstay in the side, regularly being named in the starting XI under five different managers.

Named Daily Echo/Micky Cave AFC Bournemouth player of the year by fans, the 28-year-old is understood to have taken his time in making his decision due to a strong affection for the club and fanbase.

Coincidentally, Palace find themselves in a similar situation with a star of their own. Wilfried Zaha, who picked up an injury during Bournemouth’s trip to Selhurst Park earlier in May, is another player with an expiring contract.

The 30-year-old has reportedly been offered £200,000 to stay with the Eagles.