Bournemouth are preparing to fork out £1million to Colchester for striker Sammie Szmodics.

The 22-year-old has scored 12 goals in 23 games for the League Two side this season.

With Jermain Defoe ruled out through injury, Eddie Howe is hoping to add more firepower to his struggling Cherries side.

The south coast club sit just one point above the relegation zone.

Szmodics was left out of the squad for Colchester's 4-1 loss to Cheltenham last weekend, with manager John McGreal blaming fatigue for his absence.