NICOLAS Jackson is halfway through a two-part medical examination as Cherries weigh up whether to push ahead with a deal for the £20million ace.

Jackson has not featured for Villarreal since December due to hip and hamstring problems.

As such, the Daily Echo understands Cherries arranged a thorough medical to check through any issues the 21-year-old may be carrying ahead of sanctioning the big-money deal.

Cherries are understood to have stole a march of Premier League rivals Southampton to agree a fee for forward Jackson earlier this week.

The Senegal international has scored three goals and provided three assists in 24 Villarreal appearances this season, across both domestic and European competition.

Some outlets claim the deal has collapsed due to Jackson failing a medical at Cherries, but the Echo understands some checks are still ongoing.

Cherries are also closing in on deals for West Ham United goalkeeper Darren Randolph, and Roma left-back Matias Vina.

They have already this month signed winger Dango Ouattara from Lorient.