HARRY Redknapp has hailed Cherries transfer target Sylvain Distin as a “class act”.

Ex-Cherries boss Redknapp made Distin his first summer signing at Portsmouth in 2007, snapping up the defender on a free from Manchester City.

Distin is expected to complete his move to Cherries later this week having reportedly agreed in principle a deal to join the club.

A free agent following his release by Everton at the end of last season, Distin, 37, has a wealth of Premier League experience and won the FA Cup with Redknapp’s Pompey in 2008.

In an exclusive interview with the Daily Echo, Redknapp said: “He is a fantastic player. Forget his age, nobody will run him and he is as quick as lightning.

“He looks after himself, he is in unbelievable condition and is a great lad. He will be a great signing for Bournemouth.

“He will bring experience and know-how, everything you need in the Premier League. He is a great athlete and very good in the air. He’s got everything.

“He will complement the defenders they already have and will be a top-drawer addition.

“Tommy Elphick and Steve Cook are both excellent players. If you looked at the Bournemouth team from last season, you wouldn’t want to sign any players because they were all fantastic. From what I saw, there were no weaknesses anywhere.

“But when you go into the Premier League, you need to strengthen and Sylvain will certainly do that. He has real pace and a presence and will be a top player for Bournemouth.”

Dorset resident Redknapp, a regular visitor to Dean Court last season, guided Portsmouth into the Premier League in 2003 after they had been crowned Division One champions.

He added: “When I came up with Portsmouth, we brought in experienced players like Teddy Sheringham and Patrik Berger.

"They were fantastic and made a big difference to the team. I think Sylvain will be the same for Bournemouth because he is a great character to have around.

“Eddie has made some excellent signings and this Bournemouth team is more than capable of surviving in the Premier League.

"I think they are one of the best teams to come out of the Championship in a long time and I am very confident they will do well.

“The club is in great shape. It has nice training facilities and the owner has invested wisely.

"They have a fantastic manager and good staff. Everything is in place and everybody in the town is looking forward to the new season. Everybody is very proud of what the boys have achieved.

"As a group, they have been a real credit to the club and the town.”