CHERRIES have made their fourth summer swoop after signing highly-rated midfielder Danny Hollands on a free transfer.

The 20-year-old Chelsea youngster, who has signed a two-year contract, spent the end of last season on loan at Torquay United and played an instrumental part in helping them survive the drop from League Two.

United were keen to take him back to Plainmoor for the new season while Millwall and Brentford were also battling for his signature.

But Cherries, aided by some new investment from Playershare, have beaten their rivals to the punch, with Chelsea entitled to a percentage of any future sell-on fee.

Cherries boss Sean O'Driscoll told the Daily Echo: "I'm really pleased. He's got big potential, he's been well schooled at Chelsea and hopefully he can continue his progress with us.

"He was offered to us on loan last season, but at the time, we felt he needed a bit more experience.

"We monitored him at Torquay, Mike Corderory our chief scout was very impressed and we pursued him from there."

The Ashford-born attacking midfielder is versatile, but also has physical presence to add to the squad at around 6ft tall.

Hollands, who joins Tareq Khalil, Conal Platt and Daryl Taylor as Cherries' summer recruits, told the Daily Echo: "I was offered another year's contract at Chelsea, but I got a taste for first-team football on loan last season and knew I'd never get that chance at Chelsea.

"When I knew Bournemouth were interested, that was it for me. They play the game the way it should be played, I already know a couple of the players and I can't wait to get started now. I think we'll be aiming for the play-offs at least."

O'Driscoll added: "Danny's left-footed, can play anywhere across the midfield. If you are a player who can pass the ball, you can play anywhere and he can certainly do that."

With Millwall presumably prepared to pay a bigger salary than Cherries could offer, it reflects well on a young player whose primary concern is fulfilling his career ambitions.

O'Driscoll said: "I don't think it was about money for him. He is a sensible kid, he made a footballing decision and I'm glad he has.

"He knows he will get an opportunity here and we seem him as one for the future."