BOSS Eddie Howe today finally ended his lengthy pursuit of Andrew Surman and then said he hoped to see the best of the player in a Cherries shirt.

Howe had been keen to sign Surman on a permanent basis after he had impressed greatly during a season-long loan from Norwich.

And following protracted negotiations between the clubs over the summer, a deal came to fruition just hours before the closing of the transfer window.

Surman, who penned a three-year contract with Cherries, is understood to have commanded an initial fee of around £500,000 with the deal rising with add-ons.

In an exclusive deadline-day interview, Howe told the Daily Echo: “We are really pleased to sign Andrew because it has been a long pursuit.

“I think everyone could see how effective he was for us, especially towards the back-end of last season. He really impressed us, not just with his performances on the pitch, but with the way he integrated himself into the squad.

“He felt like more than loan player to us and was a big part of our team so we are delighted to bring him back.

“I think he can offer us that versatility and can play anywhere across midfield. We used him as a central midfielder in a two and a three but he can play in the wide positions coming narrow as well.

“He is a very intelligent footballer and he definitely helped us to some very good performances and the highest finishing position in the club’s history.

“As with all our signings, he has a great attitude, he is a very professional guy and, hopefully, we will see the best of him in a Bournemouth shirt.

“He adds a bit more experience to the squad because he has had some really good experiences in the game. It all adds to the mix of our squad and his arrival will increase competition for places.

“I have known Andrew for a long time and, even when he was out of the team, he was very professional, he trained hard and waited for his opportunity. Nobody here doubted his ability, he came to us on the back of a season where he’d had a bad injury.

“When he got into the team, he never looked back. It was quite tight to the deadline so we were pleased to get it over the line.”

Howe, meanwhile, confirmed Cherries had not received any bids for their players, despite reported interest from Derby in Matt Ritchie.