Shane Long has sealed a move away from Southampton after he signed for Bournemouth late last night.
The Ireland striker joins on loan as part of a transfer deadline day merry-go-round that kicked off with him being linked with the Cherries in a deal that would see Josh King go the other way.
With the Saints only willing to let Long go if they had a replacement lined up, they signed Liverpool forward Takumi Minamino on loan leading to the 34-year-old's last gasp departure.
As a result, Bournemouth sealed the deal and also let go off forward King, who instead joined Everton on a permanent deal.
“I am delighted to bring an attacker of Shane’s experience and quality to the club,” said AFC Bournemouth manager Jason Tindall.
“As well as his undoubted technical ability, Shane’s character, maturity and leadership skills are something we have been searching for to add to what is a relatively young squad.
“He has played at the highest level for the majority of his career – including the past nine seasons – and we are hoping to bring the best out of him over the coming months as we aim to gain promotion back to the Premier League.”
Long, who joined the club in 2014, has found himself out of favour this season - starting just one game.
And with Ireland set to kick off their 2022 World Cup qualifying campaign in March, Long will be hoping to get some crucial game time with the promotion-chasing side.
The move sees him follow in the footsteps of Boys in Green teammate Conor Hourihane to the Championship after the Corkman moved on loan to Swansea City last month.
And the midfielder has already hit the ground running, scoring two goals in three games for the Welsh side.
