By Pete O'Rourke, Transfer Correspondent

14th Dec, 2022 | 3:02pm

Sources: Bournemouth star Jefferson Lerma rejects multiple new contract offers

Bournemouth midfielder Jefferson Lerma has rejected multiple new contract offers, sources have told Football Insider.

The 28-year-old’s deal expires next summer and he could leave on a free transfer if his contract impasse cannot be resolved.

A number of clubs abroad are understood to be actively monitoring Lerma’s situation and are ready to try and sign him on a pre-contract deal in January.

The Colombia international has been a mainstay in the Bournemouth side since joining in 2018 in a club-record deal from Levante.

The Cherries confirmed yesterday (13 December) that a partnership led by American businessman Bill Foley had taken over the club.

The previous regime had been proactive with contracts over the summer and settled the long-term futures of Dominic Solanke, David Brooks and Lewis Cook with new deals.

Lerma is an outlier despite being a fans favourite and featuring in every single minute of the club’s 15 Premier League games this season.

He has now played 162 times across all competitions for the Cherries, including 78 appearances in the top flight.

Bournemouth signed him for £25million over four years ago and he is still their record signing but that could change under the new ownership.

Gary O’Neil, who was only confirmed as permanent manager last month (27 November), is a fan of Lerma’s and kept him in the side.

The Cherries currently sit 14th in the Premier League, three points above the relegation zone.

They are next in action next week (20 December) when they travel to Newcastle United in the League Cup.

In other news, Newcastle United are set to make a record £179million-plus announcement.