AFC Bournemouth news: Jermain Defoe completes free transfer move with striker signing three-year deal

Bournemouth have completed the signing of Jermain Defoe.

The striker has signed a three-year deal with the Cherries, having left Sunderland on a free transfer following the club's relegation from the Premier League.

Defoe, who scored in a club record 10 consecutive league games for Bournemouth during a loan spell earlier in his career, admitted the decision to sign for Eddie Howe's side had been a straightforward one.

The 34-year-old said: "It's great to be back and I'm really looking forward to this challenge. When the opportunity came about to return to AFC Bournemouth, I just knew it was the right one.

"It was an easy decision, joining a top team with a top manager. It's a great place to be.

"The Bournemouth fans know that every time I pull the shirt on, I will give 100 per cent, and the one thing I can guarantee is goals."

Defoe has netted 15 Premier League goals in each of his last two seasons and has earned a recall to the England squad.

Bournemouth, who finished in ninth place last season, have invested heavily in the striker's wage packet as they look to increase their goal-tally, and manager Howe - a former team-mate - was delighted to have got his man.

Howe said: "This is a huge moment for the football club and another step in the right direction.

"We want to bring players here who can have a big impact on our continued rise and we believe Jermain fits that as a natural, proven goalscorer.

"We have known him for a long time, since working with him as a young pro and playing with him. I have followed his career and am delighted to say he is going to be playing for AFC Bournemouth again."

Defoe's signing could be Bournemouth's first deal of the week, with the likelihood of Chelsea defender Nathan Ake following in a £20million deal.

However, the Cherries are not interested in signing John Terry, who will be a free agent on Saturday, when the summer transfer window opens.