AFC Bournemouth have completed the signing of midfielder Marcus Tavernier from Middlesbrough for an undisclosed fee.
The 23-year-old, who progressed through the academy ranks at the Championship club, has penned a five-year deal with the Cherries.
Tavernier becomes the third addition to Scott Parker’s squad this summer following the arrivals of Ryan Fredericks and Joe Rothwell.
Leeds-born Tavernier is the younger brother of Rangers captain James Tavernier and can operate centrally, on both flanks or behind a striker.
He registered five goals and five assists in 48 games in all competitions for Boro last season and impressed with a series of impressive and energetic displays.
Tavernier, who flourished under current Boro boss Chris Wilder, played his part as the Teessiders triumphed 1-0 against the Cherries at the Riverside in December and drew 0-0 at Vitality Stadium on Good Friday.
Capped by England at under-19 and under-20 level, Tavernier was a mainstay of Boro’s FA Cup run which saw them beat Tottenham and Manchester United before losing in the quarter-finals to Chelsea. He was on target in the shootout when they won on penalties at Old Trafford.
Neill Blake, AFC Bournemouth Chief Executive, said: “We are very pleased to have brought Marcus in. He was one of the stand out performers in the Championship last season, and will be a good fit with our squad.
“He has a great pedigree, tremendous energy and is a versatile young player who can play a number of different positions.
“Marcus was attracting a great deal of interest and we are delighted he has decided to join us. Everyone at the club is looking forward to working with him.”
Tavernier, who had a loan spell with MK Dons in 2018, will have fond memories of Vitality Stadium having scored his maiden goal for the first team in Boro’s League Cup defeat by the Cherries in October 2017.
