Premier League: Bournemouth sign Dominic Solanke

Bournemouth have completed the signing of Liverpool striker Dominic Solanke in a deal reportedly worth around 19 million pounds. The 21-year-old striker seemed set to join Crystal Palace on loan earlier this week but the deal fell through. The Eagles needed a striker that was going to be able to play right away, while Solanke is lacking match fitness and would have needed time to get into shape. Crystal Palace manager Roy Hodgson said: "It's a shame in many ways, we did have a genuine interest but the club has made a decision that it's not going to work out on this occasion. He's a fine player and I accept in this instance the club has made a decision it wasn't the right moment to do this deal and we will work with what we have." Solanke signed a long-term contract with the Cherries, who have allowed experienced striker Jermain Defoe to join Scottish side Rangers. "I think the club is going somewhere," Solanke said after the transfer was announced. "Over the past few years, they have been really good in the Premier League and had some good positional finishes as well. I think it's a good club to be at, especially for someone of my age. I spoke with the manager this morning. He is a really nice guy. From playing and watching the Premier League, I know the sort of manager he is. I was excited to meet him and am really looking forward to working with him and seeing what he's about. My main target is to score goals and, being a striker, hopefully I can get a few for the team and help the team get wins. Playing in the Premier League, every game is tough and together we can try to do as well as we can." Solanke had joined Liverpool from Chelsea in 2017 but this season he found himself out of Jurgen Klopp's strategy for the first team. He didn't make any senior appearances for the Reds this season, while last season he scored one goal in 21 appearances. "Dominic is technically gifted, very athletic and has the physical profile that will give us something different in our front line," said Bournemouth manager Eddie Howe. "He has done very well for England at various age groups, has a huge amount of potential and I'm really excited about working with him." The Cherries have also signed Liverpool right-back Nathaniel Clyne on loan until the end of the season. Bournemouth are currently 12th in the Premier League table and they are 11/8 at Bet365 to finish in the top half of the table this season.