EDDIE Howe is hoping new recruit Tokelo Rantie can be the final piece of Cherries’ Championship jigsaw and insists: “He will offer a different dimension.”

Boss Howe revealed that a lot of work had gone into the capture of the 22-year-old Malmo frontman after yesterday putting the finishing touches to the high-profile signing.

Cherries are believed to have smashed their record transfer fee after succeeding with a third offer for the South African international after previously seeing two bids rejected.

Malmo publically stated that Rantie – who only signed a permanent deal with the Swedish outfit in April – was not for sale. But Cherries persevered and shocked their Championship rivals by securing Rantie on a four-year contract, subject to international clearance and a work permit.

On Rantie’s capture, Howe said: “He came to our attention about three weeks ago. We have seen a lot of him since and have been to watch him personally. He was someone we really liked.

“Hopefully, he will be a really big signing for us, without wanting to put too much pressure on him. He is coming to a new country and may take time to settle, but we are really pleased.

“There were certainly a lot of negotiations, which was understandable because they (Malmo) didn’t want to lose the player, but we got there in the end and, hopefully, Bournemouth fans will be pleased when they see him.

“I think he will add a lot to our squad. He has excellent athletic qualities, technically he is very good and he is at a really good age for us.

“He is quick, can receive the ball in tight areas, twist and turn and manipulate the ball. One of his biggest strengths is he is very direct. He fronts defenders up and takes them on. I think he will add to our style of play and he will offer a different dimension.

“He is different to the players we have. If you look at the mix of strikers, they all have their strengths. Anyone with pace as a centre forward causes defenders problems.”

Meanwhile, asked whether he expected Cherries to recruit further before the transfer window shuts on Monday night, Howe added: “I doubt it. It is not a definite no because something might come up that is too good to turn down.

“It is always dependent on things like injuries. I don’t envisage adding anyone at the moment, but who knows.”