CHERRIES have made Marcus Tavernier their third signing of the summer.

The Middlesbrough midfielder arrives on a five-year deal, joining for a reported fee of around £12million, including add-ons, although the exact figure has officially been undisclosed.

Tavernier, 23, had been heavily linked with a move to the south coast in recent weeks and was spotted watching Saturday's friendly against Real Sociedad from the stands at Vitality Stadium.

He can operate in either central midfield or at wing-back.

Championship Boro had been keen to keep hold of the Leeds-born star, who made 155 appearances for the Teesside club across five seasons, netting 15 goals.

Coincidentally, Tavernier's first goal in professional football came at Vitality Stadium, in a 3-1 defeat for Middlesbrough against Cherries in the EFL Cup in October 2017.

He has also spent time out on loan at Milton Keynes Dons, and featured for England at under-19 and under-20 level.

'Something I've dreamed of' - Tavernier outlines reasons for joining Cherries

Speaking on Friday, Middlesbrough boss Chris Wilder revealed a bid had been accepted from a Premier League club for Tavernier, telling Boro's official website: “We have to get on with it.

“The club did everything to try and keep Marcus. When you get down to the nitty-gritty of the move and him wanting to move, I think it just became a case of negotiating the transfer fee, which is above me.

“But as I say, the club tried everything they could to keep Tav and now we have to look forward.”

Speaking on Saturday, before the deal was officially rubber-stamped, Cherries boss Parker said: "Really excited. We need help, we need support and that’s clear really.

"It will be an addition that we need, along with a lot more to be honest with you.

"I’ve always been impressed with the player."

Tavernier follows Joe Rothwell and Ryan Fredericks in signing for Cherries this summer, following the club's promotion to the Premier League.

He could debut in Saturday's season curtain-raiser against Aston Villa (3pm).