Bournemouth 'closing in on Justin Kluivert transfer'

The Cherries surprised many onlookers earlier this week when they removed Gary O'Neil from his position as manager.

O'Neil guided Bournemouth away from danger and to a respectable 15th-placed finish in the Premier League, but chairman Bill Foley said that he made the decision to "best position" the club for next season.

Andoni Iraola, who recently left Spanish side Rayo Vallecano, was quickly installed as O'Neil's replacement on a two-year deal.

The 40-year-old has been in his post only a matter of days, but he could be set to make the first signing of his tenure.

According to journalist Fabrizio Romano, Bournemouth are on the verge of signing Kluivert for a £9.5m fee, rising to £10.25m with add-ons.

Having agreed a deal with Roma, Bournemouth are said to be close to reaching an agreement on personal terms with the Dutchman.

Kluivert, who is the son of former Netherlands international Patrick Kluivert, is expected to put pen to paper on a five-year deal until the summer of 2028.

The winger rose through the Ajax academy, before going on to make 56 appearances for the senior side, scoring 13 goals and providing 10 assists.

Kluivert completed a move to Roma in 2018, but he has spent the last three seasons away from the Stadio Olimpico, on loan at RB Leipzig, Nice and Valencia.

During a difficult campaign for Valencia last term, Kluivert scored eight goals and contributed two assists in 29 competitive games.

However, he left the La Liga club at the end of the season after they decided against activating a buy option in his loan deal.

Roma have already sold Benjamin Tahirovic to Ajax, and they are keen to offload Kluivert as they look to raise funds to meet Financial Fair Play rules.

With Kluivert close to sealing a move to the Premier League, he will leave Roma after registering nine goals and 10 assists in 68 appearances.