AFC Bournemouth are set to finalise a deal for non-league defender Christopher Francis, according to Football Insider.
It is understood that the Cherries have reached an agreement to sign the left-back who currently plays for North Leigh FC.
Francis is believed to be training with Bournemouth's first team ahead of sealing a move to the Championship club.
The defender, who is capable of lining up at centre-back, will be offered an initial 12 month deal which will include an option of a further year.
Since joining North Leigh last year, Francis has featured for the club in the Southern League Division One Central.
His performances in this division attracted the attention of scouts from Bournemouth who are now set to offer him the opportunity to prove his worth in the Football League.
The Cherries will be hoping to maintain their push for promotion tomorrow by securing a positive result in their showdown with Middlesbrough at the Vitality Stadium.
Currently four points clear of Huddersfield Town in the Championship standings, Bournemouth will be keen to extend this advantage by picking up victories in their upcoming clashes.
Scott Parker's side will need to keep an eye on Nottingham Forest who will briefly move to within striking distance of the Cherries if they beat Luton Town tomorrow in the early kick-off.
The Verdict
This is an intriguing move by Bournemouth as they must believe that Francis possesses the ability required to feature at a higher level.
Whereas it would be somewhat of a shock if the defender immediately forces his way into the Cherries' match-day squad, he may be able to prove his worth to Parker over the course of pre-season.
Bournemouth will be hoping that they will be preparing for a return to the Premier League this summer instead of another season in the second-tier.
Whereas the Cherries are currently in a healthy position in terms of the race for automatic promotion, they cannot afford to experience a drop in performance levels at what is a crucial stage of the season for Championship sides.