'Been a long time coming' - Solanke joins on long-term deal

Left-back Ade Solanke says he is "over the moon" to have signed for Bournemouth on a long-term deal from Ligue 1 side FC Lorient.

The 18-year-old signed the contract on his birthday this month and will go straight into the Cherries' academy set-up.

Solanke has featured for Lorient's under-19s and reserve sides and has represented the Republic of Ireland 31 times from under-15 to under-18 level, most recently appearing at the Fifa Under-17 World Cup in Qatar.

"I am over the moon. I feel it's been a long time coming but I'm delighted to be here, and I can't wait to get started," the former Shamrock Rovers youth player said.

"With AFC Bournemouth being a Premier League club, a move like this is something I've dreamt of. I am grateful and I thank God, I am really happy.

"The vision of where everyone wants this club to go and where the club is going, it played a big part in my decision to come to AFC Bournemouth."

Solanke follows in the steps of a number of players to have come from Bournemouth's partner club Lorient, including summer signing Eli Junior Kroupi, who has scored seven goals since his debut in August.

Sam Gisborne, head of academy at Bournemouth, added: "We're really pleased to welcome Ade Solanke to the academy.

"He's someone we've been monitoring for a period of time, and we believe this is a great environment for him to continue his development."