CHERRIES boss Eddie Howe finally ended his lengthy pursuit of Joshua King before tipping the frontman for big things at Dean Court.

King today became Cherries’ third new signing when he agreed terms on a three-year deal after turning down a new contract at Blackburn.

Cherries are still in negotiation with Rovers regarding a fee which could be determined by a tribunal if the clubs are unable to reach agreement.

King, 23, joined Blackburn from Manchester United in January 2013 but became increasingly frustrated at a lack of game-time at Ewood Park.

He scored eight goals in 74 appearances for Rovers – including eight games during a loan spell – and has also netted four times for Norway.

Howe has been a long-time admirer and Cherries were close to signing the 15-times capped international at the 11th hour in the August transfer window.

Speaking to the club website, Howe said: “Josh will bring us a lot of pace. He is a good technical player as well, a good size and somebody who is very good in the air. We are very pleased on a number of levels and I think his addition improves the athleticism of the squad.

“He is a young guy but with good experiences in the game. He had a great grounding at Manchester United and was lucky enough to play under the great Sir Alex Ferguson.

“He also has good international experience with Norway. I have seen him play regularly for the national team and he has always done well at international level.

“To bring that type of experience into the squad and still at a very good age to improve his game even further, I think that makes it very attractive to us.

“There is scope for development into his game and I don’t think we have seen the very best of Josh yet. Hopefully, we can give him the stage to deliver that.”

King’s stock rose sharply after had he scored a hat-trick to knock Premier League side Stoke City out of the FA Cup in the fifth round in February.

Howe added: “I think we saw in flashes during his time at Blackburn what a good player he can be and the Stoke game was a real stand-out moment from his season.

“Whether it is as a central striker or a wide player, his versatility will be invaluable to us. I wouldn’t bracket him as a winger, I would bracket him as an attacking player. He can play the number-nine role and the wide role. To have players with the flexibility to play various roles will be important to us. We are going to need players with pace to cause teams problems in the Premier League.

“The fact we are attractive to players and people want to come here should be good news for us going forward. I think the best years of Josh’s career are in front of him and, hopefully, he will have a very good time with us.”