DEADLINE day signing Yann Kermorgant hopes his presence in the final third can aid Cherries’ long-term progress.

The 32-year-old was today snapped up on a two-and-a-half year deal from Championship rivals Charlton Athletic for an undisclosed fee after successfully coming through a medical at Dean Court.

News of Cherries’ interest in the Addicks frontman was revealed exclusively by the Echo via Twitter and the player held talks with the Dorset club on Wednesday after Cherries’ bid, understood to be in the region of £400,000, was accepted by the Londoners.

And while the French forward admitted it was a wrench to leave the Valley Stadium, where he had been a firm fans’ favourite over the past two years, Kermorgant insisted he was relishing his latest challenge.

Explaining his decision, Cherries’ sixth January signing told the club website: “This is quite a small club but it is growing and I want to be part of the project.

“It was a very difficult decision for me and my family because we were settled in London, but these things happen in football and sometimes you have to move on. I am looking forward to my new challenge here now.

“I like the way the manager plays on the floor, the passing play is very good and it is a good project.

“I will have to speak with the manager about how he wants to use me. I know he likes my aerial ability and the team puts in a lot of crosses – maybe they need someone to make the headers.

“Bournemouth is my new club and I will do all I can to achieve the best I can.”

Subject to Football League approval, Kermorgant, who scored for Charlton at Dean Court on the opening day of the season, could feature for Cherries against league leaders and former club Leicester City tomorrow.

“We could be playing any club, but it’s my old club. It’s strange,” he added.

“Everyone knows my story at Leicester, but it will be the manager’s decision (whether I play). I have had a couple of difficult days in terms of preparation but I will do what I have to do.

“I remember scoring here in the last minute (for Charlton) when both clubs were in League One and the one this season.

"I hope to keep going and to score goals but it’s more about the team and the club.”