Bournemouth completed some good business this summer and even broke their record signing to complete a deal for Colombian midfielder Jefferson Lerma. But one deal that went slightly under the radar was the £10m capture of David Brooks from Sheffield United.

Brooks was on the books of Manchester City as a kid before moving to the Sheffield United academy. He made his debut for the Blades in 2016 in an EFL Trophy draw with Leicester's U23 side.

A slight, technical player, he also spent two months on loan with National League side Halifax Town during the 2016/17 season while the club were struggling towards the bottom of the league. The new Cherries signing created just one assist and scored one goal in five games but the experience of non-league football will have enhanced his development no-end.

At an international level, the Warrington-born youngster played for the England U20 side who won the 2017 Toulon Tournament. Brooks scored his side's only goal in normal time in the final and was given the player of the tournament award.

However, thanks to his Mother's birthplace, Brooks was called up to the Wales U21 squad for European Championship qualifiers against Switzerland and Portugal last August. Since then, he has made his full debut for the Welsh national side and has three caps from international friendlies.

Last season was his first full campaign at senior level. The three goals and six assists he racked up in 33 appearances for United, as well as some hugely impressive performances, clearly convinced Bournemouth boss Eddie Howe that he was ready to make the step up.

[brid autoplay="true" video="280645" player="12034" title="Rafa's Pub Facts Dodgy De Gea & Arsenal's MiniRevolution"]

Predominantly an attacking midfielder, Howe has used Brooks on the right of a flat four in midfield so far this season, with the now 21-year-old starting both Premier League games against Cardiff and West Ham respectively.

Brooks is yet to set the Premier League alight, but keeping out 22-year-old former Liverpool winger Jordan Ibe, who the Cherries signed for an eyebrow-raising £15m, will be his first priority.

While he may be a relatively unknown quantity to opposition teams right now, if he fulfils his potential the former City trainee could become one of the stars of this season and beyond.

[ad_pod ]