AFC Bournemouth are closing in on the signing of defender Gary Cahill on a free transfer, according to talkSPORT's Alex Crook.

Cahill is searching for a new club having been let go by Crystal Palace upon the expiry of his deal in June. The defender made 47 appearances for the Eagles, with 20 of those coming in the Premier League last season.

The 35-year-old has attracted interest this summer, with Southampton and Bournemouth both being linked with his signature on a free transfer.

But according to talkSPORT's Alex Crook, a move to the Vitality Stadium looks to be in the offing for Cahill, with a deal to bring him to Bournemouth "pretty much done".

Bournemouth are set to bring Cahill in on a free transfer, with the club hoping that his experience will help their young players grow and develop.

The Cherries also look set to complete the ambitious signing of Morgan Rogers on a loan-to-buy deal, with an reported obligation to buy of £9million.

The Verdict

If Cahill can stay fit, which he has managed to do for a number of years in fairness, then this could be a shrewd addition and one of the signings of the season.

Cahill has been there and done it as a player, winning the Premier League and Champions League with Chelsea, as well as playing at the highest level for England.

Bournemouth have some great young players on the books, and sometimes you need that experience and type of character to help you along and help you settle.