EDDIE Howe explained Cherries' decision to spend big on Dominic Solanke and said: “Coveted young players aren’t cheap.”

Solanke arrived from Liverpool on Friday for a fee understood to be around £17.5million, with add-ons potentially increasing that figure.

The striker scored just once in 27 appearances for the Reds but boasts a glittering youth record at club and international level.

Solanke, who is unlikely to feature in January due to a hamstring problem, has represented England from under-16 to senior level.

Alongside Cherries midfielder Lewis Cook, Solanke won the European Under-17 Championship and the Under-20 World Cup.

At the latter tournament, the Basingstoke-born star was awarded the Golden Ball for player of the tournament – an accolade previously won by the likes of Diego Maradona, Lionel Messi and Luis Figo.

Having joined Chelsea at under-eight level, Solanke went on to win the FA Youth Cup twice with the Blues.

Howe insisted acquiring the hot prospect was part of Cherries’ forward-thinking philosophy.

He said: “It’s a lot of money across the board now whenever you sign players.

“But you look at his international record and what he is doing there. He is one of the most talented young strikers in the country, there is no doubt about that.

“There is a premium for those type of players at the age he is. That is just the way of the world.

“It’s a case of the club having a long-term vision and investing in young players. It’s a transfer policy we have kept and will try to maintain.

“You need finances to make those things happen. Coveted young players aren’t cheap but, hopefully, the club will see the benefit in the long term.”

Solanke follows a familiar pattern of Cherries investing in youngsters with international pedigree.

Under-20 World Cup-winning captain Cook joined from Leeds for £7million in 2016 and Howe last summer opted to bring in attacking midfielder David Brooks.

A £10million buy from Sheffield United, the 21-year-old was named player of the tournament while representing England at the 2017 Maurice Revello Tournament in Toulon.

Brooks has gone on to play for Wales nine times at senior level having switched allegiance and is flourishing in his first top-flight campaign with Cherries.

“We have always believed in youth, work on the training ground, improvement and a style of play which fosters that,” said Howe.

“That is how we have worked for a number of years and that won’t change.

“They see a good environment, a good culture and a way of working which will, hopefully, bring out the best in them.

“We are looking forward to starting work with Dominic and trying to get him to fulfil his potential.

“He will bring a slightly different dynamic to our frontline. He has the ability to hold up the ball, link play and is technically very gifted.

“He is good in the air from crosses, has good physical presence and the ability to move as well. All-round, he is a very good player.”