Sky Sports journalist claims Ben Pearson will have medical with Bournemouth

According to Sky Sports journalist Mark McAdam, Bournemouth are set to complete the signing of Preston midfielder Ben Pearson.

It’s claimed that Pearson has now agreed terms with the Cherries, and will undergo a medical inside the next 24 hours.

Celtic had been in talks over a pre-contract agreement with Pearson, but he is instead heading to the South Coast in cash deal.

It’s unclear how much Bournemouth are paying for Pearson, but we believe North End has asked for £3million – the same price quoted for Ben Davies.

Let’s hope Preston managed to get that price, though it’s worth remembering that Manchester United will receive some cash from a sell-on clause in Pearson’s 2016 deal.

We have to say, this move seems like a surprise. If Pearson had gone to Celtic, we would have understood with them being a huge club and having the chance to play in Europe.

A move to the Premier League after five years with Preston would have been the logical step, but joining a Bournemouth side who sit sixth – just six points ahead of North End – seems a shock.

There’s no guarantee that Pearson will end up in the Premier League next season, so a move to another Championship club after five years with North End… was this the end goal?

Anyway, Bournemouth have got themselves a superb player. Pearson is exceptional, a complete holding midfielder who breaks up play, keeps the ball moving, protects his back four and can ping stunning cross-field passes.

Pearson has made it clear that he wants to go, and this appears to be the end of his time at Deepdale, which has been nothing short of outstanding.

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