FORMER Wales international Kit Symons believes Cherries “will think themselves very lucky” to have snapped up David Brooks ahead of other interested parties.

It is understood Cherries agreed to pay an initial £10million to secure the 20-year-old attacker, who today completed a permanent switch from Sheffield United.

With add-ons potentially increasing the deal to around £11.5m, Symons believes the Dorset club have made a “great acquisition”.

The former Fulham boss was assistant to Chris Coleman in the Wales set-up when Brooks earned his senior international debut against France eight months ago.

Warrington-born Brooks then made his first start for the Dragons against Panama four days later and picked up the man-of-the-match award.

Quizzed on the youngster's potential, Symons told the Daily Echo: “He is a really good player with a really bright future. I think he will be a great acquisition.

“Bournemouth will think themselves very lucky because there were a lot of other clubs interested in him.

“From David’s point of view, Bournemouth is a good one because he will get opportunities there sooner than at certain other clubs. He is a lad who just wants to play football.

“Price tags are what they are, it’s what people are willing to pay. I think players, especially young ones, have got to try not to think about that and just get on with their game. I am sure that’s what David will do.

“Given the way the modern game is, there is an awful lot of money flying around. You have to pay a premium to get top, young British talent and he’s certainly one of those players.”

Tottenham and Liverpool were also rumoured to be interested in Brooks, who made 37 appearances for the South Yorkshire club in all competitions, scoring three goals and providing eight assists.

He became one of the most sought-after talents in the Championship after impressing last season, despite a spell on the sidelines with glandular fever.

Symons, who won 36 senior caps for Wales, also played in the Premier League for Manchester City and Fulham.

And he believes Brooks has the potential to become a top-flight regular.

“He has shown flashes of what he can do but, when we worked with him in the Welsh set-up, he was a real prospect,” added the former Portsmouth defender.

“We went to France and played them in Paris and gave a lot of the young boys a chance. He came on and played with no fear against a France team with all the big hitters.

“He has the talent and ability to become an established Premier League player. He is very positive in his play and very quick. He’s good with the ball, commits defenders and is an exciting player.

“I know Eddie pretty well and he is a good guy. He gives time and the necessary care to young players to help them develop, so I think Bournemouth and David Brooks will be a good fit.”