Cherries have confirmed Jason Pearce's transfer to Portsmouth.

Pearce has put pen to paper on a three-year deal at Fratton Park.

Chairman Eddie Mitchell confirmed to the Echo this morning that that the two clubs had agreed a fee for the 23-year-old defender and the transfer was completed at lunchtime.

Mitchell earlier this week turned down a bid from the Championship outfit for Pearce, who started his career at the club before signing for Cherries in 2007.

But Pompey came back with an improved offer last night to test Mitchell's resolve.

The Echo first revealed news of a 50 per cent sell-on clause in Pearce's contract earlier this month. The agreement entitles Pompey to half of any funds from the sale of the defender and this is likely to have influenced the club's offer for the defender.

In a statement, the Dean Court club said: "It is with a heavy heart we announce that Jason Pearce has agreed terms and today become a Portsmouth player. He leaves AFC Bournemouth after four years exemplary service to our club and we all wish him the best of luck.

"In his time with AFC Bournemouth, Jason has led by example, always going the extra mile on and off the pitch. Often putting his head in places that others wouldn't dare, he has developed into a greater player in his spell with us.

"Jason has not made it a secret that he desires to play football at a higher level, therefore it was difficult and almost impossible to stop Jason's progress once a suitable sum for his transfer had been reached. We hope every supporter wishes him the best of luck in his ambition to reach the top of his game."