Bournemouth boss Eddie Howe is putting at risk locker room morale with his move for Sunderland striker Jermain Defoe.

The Mirror says England striker Defoe has agreed to join the Cherries on a stunning three-year deal worth a whopping £130,000-a-week.

But the staggering deal at the south coast club has raised eyebrows among current members of a squad that's just finished ninth in the top-flight.

Howe's present top earners collect around £50,000-a-week but the proposed deal for free agent Defoe, and potentially a similar package to secure departing Chelsea captain John Terry, will obliterate that wage ceiling.

Defoe — who had a spell on loan at Bournemouth from West Ham as a youngster — has told Black Cats team-mates that they have agreed to pay him £130,000-a-week for three years.