BOSS Scott Parker believes Cherries are "in a good place" in their pursuit of Middlesbrough midfielder Marcus Tavernier.

The 23-year-old has been linked with a move to the south coast throughout the summer, and was present at Vitality Stadium to watch on from the stands as Cherries were beaten 2-1 by Real Sociedad in the club's final pre-season friendly on Saturday.

Speaking on Friday, Middlesbrough boss Chris Wilder revealed a bid had been accepted from a Premier League club for Tavernier, telling Boro's official website: “We have to get on with it.

“The club did everything to try and keep Marcus. When you get down to the nitty-gritty of the move and him wanting to move, I think it just became a case of negotiating the transfer fee, which is above me.

“But as I say, the club tried everything they could to keep Tav and now we have to look forward.”

Tavernier is now thought to be close to completing a switch to Cherries for a reported fee of around £12million.

He would become the club's third signing of the summer, after the arrivals of Ryan Fredericks and Joe Rothwell on free transfers.

Asked on Saturday if the Tavernier deal was now over the line, Parker said: "No, it hasn’t happened yet. I think we’re close.

"It just comes down to the finer details, but I think we are close.

"I am confident of that happening, but obviously at this present moment in time it’s not completed. Technicalities of stuff between the two clubs, but I feel like we’re in a good place with that."

Asked if it could be concluded over the weekend, Parker added: "Hopefully, maybe. I’m not sure. I don’t know, I’ve not spoken to anyone regarding how close it is, but I certainly feel like it’s close."

Discussing his imminent new arrival, Parker said: "Really excited. We need help, we need support and that’s clear really.

"It will be an addition that we need, along with a lot more to be honest with you.

"I’ve always been impressed with the player. I don’t want to go into too much detail, because like all these things, you never know what can happen.

"But certainly it’s something which is close, so I’ll comment on that once it gets over the line."