CRYSTAL Palace have confirmed that Cherries midfielder Jefferson Lerma will join the Eagles after the expiry of his contract at Vitality Stadium.

As previously reported by the Daily Echo, Colombian international Lerma has signed a pre-contract agreement with Crystal Palace.

The former Levante man has signed a three-year deal at Selhurst Park, which will come into effect on July 1, the day after his contract expires with Cherries.

Signed for £25million from Levante in the summer of 2018, Cherries will not receive any fee for their club record signing.

He leaves for nothing, but £25million for five years of Lerma was brilliant business

The 28-year-old departs Dean Court having made 184 appearances for Cherries, including 100 Premier League matches.

During his five years on the south coast, Lerma scored 12 goals and provided eight assists.

Crystal Palace chairman Steve Parish told cpfc.co.uk: “Jefferson is a strong addition to our squad.

“He is a proven performer at Premier League level, and his combative and competitive nature will endear him to the Palace fans.

“We look forward to welcoming him to the club on July 1 in preparation for our eleventh consecutive season in the top-flight.”

Lerma shared: “I am very happy and excited by this new opportunity. Crystal Palace has good players and a good team, and I want to help with every objective the club has next season.”