Bournemouth have launched a bid for Levante midfielder Jefferson Lerma.

The Sun says the Cherries are making a remarkable £18million bid for Lerma.

Boss Eddie Howe has set up the move and hopes to agree the fee with the Spanish side ahead of finalising the transfer while the player is in Russia.

Versatile Lerma, 23, would add muscle to the Cherries side and give Howe's team more power.

He has played in Spain for the last three seasons and Levante seem certain to accept the bid despite rival interest in La Liga and the Bundesliga.

The strong running and tackling star was left out of the Levante side towards the end of the season as the club fielded offers. However insiders say Bournemouth's bid is the best.