HIGHLY-rated keeper Aaron Ramsdale has thanked former employers Sheffield United after completing a deadline-day move to Cherries.

The 18-year-old penned a four-and-a-half year deal after the clubs agreed a fee thought to be around the £800,000 mark.

Ramsdale made his professional debut fewer than three months ago, playing 90 minutes of the Blades' 6-0 FA Cup win over visitors Leyton Orient.

And the teenager, who has represented England at under-18 and under-19 level, also started in the 3-2 loss at Bolton in the second round.

In a message published on his Twitter account, Ramsdale said: "Just like to start by thanking such a great club for helping me on my first stage of development. The players and staff have been brilliant in training, helping me to better myself."

Ramsdale was reportedly the subject of a failed bid by Everton prior to joining Cherries.

The youngster, who stands at 6ft 3in, was released by Bolton when he was 15 partly because Wanderers felt he was too small.

He was courted by both Huddersfield and Sheffield United before opting to join the latter club on scholar terms.

In October 2015, he hit the headlines in Yorkshire when he saved two penalties and scored one in an FA Youth Cup shootout victory over Bradford.