ANDONI Iraola says he is currently unsure whether Evanilson will be signed in time to play on the opening day of the Premier League season.

The Brazil international is set to become Cherries’ record signing, for an initial £31.7million, potentially rising to £40.2m.

In order for him to be available to take on Nottingham Forest tomorrow, Evanilson’s deal would need to be concluded by midday today, ahead of international clearance being approved.

Asked for the latest on the move for the Porto man, head coach Iraola said: “I know he has been here. He arrived here last night and has gone through all the medical stuff, but still he has things to do.

“These things take time. A lot of paperwork to do. So I really don’t know what the process is of when he is going to be ready. Right now, it is not finished.”

Asked if Evanilson will be available to play against Forest, Iraola added: “I really don’t know. I hate especially these three games when the market is open and you have to change your mind and prepare for different scenarios in two or three hours.

“We have still three hours before we have to make the registration. It is not finished now, but we will see.

“I cannot tell you if everything is going to be finished for tomorrow or not.

“I think it would be good if he could even travel with the team.

“I think even this is going to be difficult, because even if he is registered, he has to go through the visa process.

“For sure it won’t be in time for him to travel with the rest of the team, but we will take the decision as the day goes.

“In two or three hours we will know if he has a chance to be with us tomorrow.

“But it is not the most important thing that he is involved tomorrow or not.

“It is that we manage to finish everything and he can help us the rest of the games.”

Iraola added: “He is still young but has some experience in the top level.

“He has played Champions League but also had the experience of going to his first games with his national team Brazil.

“It would be a very good signing for us.”