MIDFIELDER Lewis Cook has signed a three-year contract extension at Cherries.

The 24-year-old, who joined Cherries from Leeds United in 2016, is currently battling back from his second serious knee injury in three years.

Cook is closing in on a return and has now secured his long-term future, signing a deal to stay at Vitality Stadium until the summer of 2024.

Discussing the signature of the England international, Cherries chief executive Neill Blake told the club website: "We are delighted to have secured Lewis’s services for at least another three years.

“He has established himself as a very important member of the squad and we see him having a major role to play on the pitch over the next few years.

“Lewis has worked tirelessly and diligently on his rehabilitation and has made many sacrifices to ensure both he and the club benefit when he returns to action.

“I know Scott (Parker) and his team think highly of Lewis and are very much looking forward to getting him back once his recovery has been completed.

“As a club, we were pleased with how the summer transfer window panned out and having Lewis available again will only add to what we feel is a very competitive squad.”

Cook has made 120 appearances for Cherries, scoring his first goal for the club in style during last season's victory over Reading.