Bournemouth sign Lee Tomlin from Middlesbrough

AFC Bournemouth have announced the signing of midfielder Lee Tomlin from Middlesbrough for an undisclosed fee.

Tomlin, who was made surplus to requirements at Middlesbrough following the arrivals of Cristian Stuani and Stewart Downing this summer, has penned a three-year deal at Vitality Stadium.

He will be available to feature in the Cherries’ English Premier League opener against Aston Villa at the weekend.

Regarding the addition of Tomlin, chief executive Neill Blake said: “Lee is a player who we are excited about and will get fans off their seats.

“He is someone we have followed for some time and believe will fit seamlessly into Eddie and Jason’s plans.

“The promotion race in the Championship last season was incredibly competitive and Lee was a key figure in a Middlesbrough side who went very close to going up.

“We believe he is ready to make the step up and look forward to seeing him play in the Premier League.

“Like the club, he has had to work hard to get to this point and is eager to make the most of this opportunity.

“We are very pleased with the business we have done this week, and on the whole this summer, and feel it is a marker of our ambitions this season.”

Tomlin, 26, tallied eight goals and 11 assists in 45 appearances in the Sky Bet Championship last season.

Gradel delighted to re-join Cherries

Côte d’Ivoire international Max Gradel has revealed his delight at returning to Bournemouth after spending the past eight years at Leeds United and AS Saint-Étienne. 

Gradel, who enjoyed two successful loan spells at Vitality Stadium in 2007/08, bagged 17 goals and three assists in 31 Ligue 1 appearances for France’s fifth-place finishers Saint-Étienne last season.

“It’s a good feeling,” Gradel told Cherries Player HD.

“I am so happy. I had a great time here before so I’m very excited to be back.

“It feels a little bit strange because everything has changed. When I first arrived today I didn’t recognise the club, but I am very happy to see it is all moving in a good direction.

“Not many people will understand why I came to Bournemouth. I had offers for more money and bigger clubs but in football you have to go where you will be happy.

“There were other options, like to play Champions League football in Russia, but I decided to come here because I like Eddie a lot. He’s always been there for me so it’s a big honour to now come and play for him.

“Of course he’s a good manager but on top of that he’s a good person and we have a good relationship. I trust him and I am looking forward to working with him.”

Bournemouth are priced at 7/5 to suffer relegation to the Sky Bet Championship next term.