West Ham United are now in a nine-way fight to secure the free transfer of AFC Bournemouth midfielder Jefferson Lerma this summer.
That is according to TEAMtalk, which reports that clubs around Europe are interested in a move for Lerma. The Bournemouth star is also now exploring his options for the future.
The 28-year-old has attracted widespread interest with his contract at Dean Court due to expire on June 30. But the Cherries are yet to give up hope of retaining the Colombian.
West Ham are in a nine-way fight to secure Jefferson Lerma’s free transfer
Bournemouth are keen to convince Lerma to stay having been a virtual ever-present since his £25m arrival from Levante. But he has at least nine clubs pursuing his signature.
Signed under Eddie Howe in August 2018, the 33-cap international has played 181 games with the south coast side. He has made 34 of those appearances so far this season.
West Ham are among a clutch of Premier League clubs keen to target Lerma’s transfer if he indeed leaves Bournemouth. But the Irons will face competition from two London rivals.
Crystal Palace and Fulham are monitoring Lerma’s situation in case Gary O’Neil convinces the Colombian to stay put. While Leicester City and Nottingham Forest are also keen.
The Foxes’ and Reds’ interest will hinge on the two clubs securing their top-flight status for another year. While Lerma could look to return to La Liga with Real Betis or Villarreal.
OGC Nice and LOSC Lille would also like to try and lure Lerma to Ligue 1 should he become a free agent. It would add a new league to his CV following spells in Colombia and Spain.
Jefferson Lerma would be a huge loss for Bournemouth
Lerma would offer any potential suitor a quality defensive presence in the engine room. He can also even add a creative threat when allowed to roam in a greater box-to-box capacity.
Goals are not what makes Lerma, though, and West Ham would be pursuing the transfer of a defensive midfielder above all should David Moyes eye a deal for the Bournemouth star.
“I don’t judge Jeff on goals,” ex-Cherries coach Jonathan Woodgate told the Bournemouth Echo in May 2021. “You know how I feel about Jeff, I’m his biggest fan.
“I think he’s unbelievable. If I can describe a six to anyone, he’s my favourite. He’s a six and he’s magnificent.
“He gives you absolutely everything every single game – heads it, runs, tackles, passes. He’s a special player for me.”
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
