Bournemouth have completed the signing of centre-back Jack Stephens on loan from Southampton.
The 28-year-old only made 11 appearances in the 2021-22 Premier League season and has since been pushed further down the pecking order by the signing of Armel Bella-Kotchap.
Stephens has made two substitute appearances for the Saints in the Premier League this season, but he has been left out of the matchday squad for each of their last three matches.
The former England Under-21 international will now be tasked with trying to keep Bournemouth afloat in the top flight, with the Cherries confirming his deadline-day arrival on loan.
Speaking to the official Bournemouth website, chief executive Neill Blake said: "We're very pleased to bring Jack to the club and he strengthens our defensive options. He brings with him significant Premier League experience and I'm sure will prove a very valuable addition both on and off the pitch."
Stephens has four goals and five assists to boast from 122 Premier League appearances for Southampton and becomes Bournemouth's sixth summer signing after Neto, Marcus Tavernier, Marcos Senesi, Joe Rothwell and Ryan Fredericks.
Bournemouth will aim to build on their midweek 0-0 draw against Wolverhampton Wanderers when they meet fellow newly-promoted side Nottingham Forest at the City Ground on Saturday afternoon.
Ben Knapton
