CHERRIES chief executive Neill Blake described as a “huge coup” the signing of Ryan Christie on a three-year deal from Celtic.

The attacking midfielder tonight finalised his move to Vitality Stadium, penning a three-year deal at Vitality Stadium.

The Daily Echo understands the 26-year-old has arrived on the south coast for a fee of around £2.5million.

Burnley were reportedly interested in the Scotland international but he opted to move to Cherries with just four months remaining on his deal at Parkhead.

Blake told the club website: “We are delighted to have secured the services of Ryan.

“He was being courted by a number of Premier League clubs, so it is a huge coup to have signed him.

“We think it speaks volumes about him as a player and us as a club that he chose to come here and work under Scott Parker and his staff.

“Ryan enjoyed a hugely successful stay at Celtic and was instrumental in them winning a host of trophies.

“His outstanding form at club level saw him gain international recognition with Scotland. He has already achieved a great deal in his career and is determined to achieve more.”

Christie first joined Glasgow giants Celtic on September 1, 2015.

He has gone on to make 151 appearances in all competitions for the Parkhead side, scoring 41 goals and registering 44 assists.

The attacking midfielder, who can also play out wide, has spent time on loan with boyhood club Inverness Caledonian Thistle and Aberdeen.

Christie has made 20 appearances at senior level for Scotland and was part of Steve Clarke’s squad for Euro 2022.

He is set to feature for Scotland in a World Cup Qualifier against Denmark tomorrow.