CHERRIES are reportedly closing in on a £20million-plus move for Chelsea’s Nathan Ake.

The 22-year-old made 12 appearances during a fruitful loan spell at Vitality Stadium during the first half of last season.

He was recalled by the Blues in January before Cherries failed in a £18m bid to sign him permanently at the end of the mid-season transfer window.

The Sun claims the versatile Dutchman will join Cherries when he returns from a holiday in the Bahamas.

Although Ake is also rumoured to be a target for Southampton and West Ham, Cherries have emerged as hot favourites to clinch his signature.

Speaking after the transfer window had closed in January, Cherries boss Eddie Howe confirmed discussions took place with Chelsea to bring back Ake either on loan or permanently but they had been “denied”.

And asked by the Daily Echo in December whether Cherries had been in the market for Ake, Howe replied: “I think that is something for down the line.

“He is very much committed to Chelsea at the moment and is their player so I wouldn’t want to say anything disrespectful to them.

“Chelsea have been brilliant with us. We took Christian Atsu last season and Nathan this season. We have built up a good relationship with them.

“I am sure he is a player they will look at and think, potentially long term, he could get in their team.”

A source close to the Daily Echo said tonight Cherries had "as good a chance as any other club" to sign Ake.