Bournemouth closing on deal for Chelsea striker Patrick Bamford

Bournemouth are closing on a deal for Chelsea striker Patrick Bamford.

The Mirror says the 22-year-old is returning to the Stamford Bridge club after a frustrating loan spell at Crystal Palace.

Top-flight sides Norwich and Swansea and Championship promotion chasers Middlesbrough - who borrowed him last season and saw him score 17 goals as they reached the playoff final - are keen.

But Bournemouth boss Eddie Howe sees Bamford as a player able to boost his club's battle against relegation.