Bournemouth close in on signing Defoe

BOURNEMOUTH are set to confirm the signing of Jermain Defoe on Saturday.

There were suggestions that the Sunderland striker’s expensive financial package could prove a late obstacle to the deal, but Sportsmail understands the move will be wrapped up at the weekend. The England international, who is 35 in October, will pocket in the region of £20million from a three-year deal under manager Eddie Howe, plus a hefty signing-on fee.

Defoe (right) revealed on international duty that he had already had his medical at the club where he spent the 2000-01 season on loan from West Ham. Bournemouth boss Howe will also complete a deal for out-ofcontract winger Connor Mahoney, 20. The former England Under 18 international made 18 appearances for Blackburn Rovers last season and had been a target for Nottingham Forest.

Howe remains keen to secure the return of defender Nathan Ake from Chelsea after he excelled at the club on loan in the first half of last season.

Meanwhile, Bristol City have paid a club record £5.3m to sign Famara Diedhiou from French club Angers. This follows Tuesday’s arrival of Eros Pisano at the club.