Medical today: Bournemouth set to sign Pearson after 3.5-yr deal agreed - Sources
Bournemouth have agreed terms with Preston North End midfielder Ben Pearson, Football Insider understands.
The 26-year-old, who had entered the final six months of his contract at Deepdale, is headed to the south coast today for a medical and to finalise a contract.
A recruitment source has told Football Insider that the midfielder has agreed a three-and-a-half year deal with Bournemouth.
It is a major blow to Glasgow giants Celtic, who have also been trying to sign Pearson either on a pre-contract or on a permanent deal this month.
Pearson has made just nine appearances in the Championship this season, having been frozen out by Preston boss Alex Neil in December.
The midfielder's refusal to put pen to paper on a club record contract offer saw him drop down the pecking order at the Lancashire club.
However, prior to this season he was one of Preston standout performers.
A product of Manchester United's academy, Pearson moved to Deepdale for a six-figure fee in January 2016.
He has amassed 165 appearances for the club since and was an integral part of an Alex Neil side that narrowly missed out on the Play-Offs last year.
This site revealed earlier this week that his Preston teammate Ben Davies is also of interest to the Cherries.
However, Football Insider understands that Celtic are now in pole position to sign the centre-half either on a pre-contract or this month.