CHERRIES have made their second signing of the summer, but who exactly is Joe Rothwell?

The 27-year-old became the second addition to Scott Parker’s side ahead of the club’s return to the Premier League, with Cherries’ interest stemming from the January window.

With Rothwell’s contract winding down, Cherries attempted to pry their target away from Blackburn Rovers. However, Blackburn stood firm, quoting £3.5million, if reports are to be believed.

Cherries opted not to stump up the cash, unlike what they did in the case of Siriki Dembele, who was another Championship player Cherries coveted with a contract that expired this summer.

The start of Rothwell’s career is somewhat familiar to current Cherry Ben Pearson.

Both started their footballing stories with Manchester United, before moving on to Lancashire sides – Pearson to Preston, Rothwell to Blackburn – where they would go on to make a name for themselves.

Only seven days separate Pearson and Rothwell in age, and aside from coming up through the ranks at Old Trafford together, they previously shared a loan spell at Barnsley in 2015.

In the case of Rothwell, there was a pit stop down south with Oxford United.

Whilst Blackburn will be disappointed that they have not picked up a fee for the midfielder, they sort of now know how Oxford felt, with history repeating itself.

Back in January 2016, Blackburn had a deadline day bid rejected by Oxford, but Rovers returned to pick up Rothwell on what was technically a free transfer.

However, as Rothwell was 23, Oxford were due compensation, and the two clubs thrashed out a deal.

This time around there will be no transfer fees exchanged, although Rothwell may command a signing on fee for his services.

During his time with Blackburn, Rothwell made 161 appearances, scoring 11 times and providing 18 assists.

Last season was the most productive campaign of his career, with the 27-year-old chipping in with three goals and 10 assists in 41 appearances.

In terms of international recognition, Rothwell has represented England at under-16, under-17, under-19, and under-20 levels.

Predominantly a central-midfielder, Rothwell can also operate as a left-winger, despite being right-footed.