Cherries snap up free agent Cahill

Championship Bournemouth have signed former England defender Gary Cahill on a one-year deal.

The 35-year-old joins the Cherries on a free transfer after his contract with Crystal Palace expired at the end of last season.

The ex-Bolton. Aston Villa and Chelsea centre-back is now in line to make his debut versus Blackpool in the second tier this Saturday.

"I've made a decision where I feel this is the best place for me to be at this stage of my career," said Cahill.

Cahill won the Champions League and two Premier Leagues with Chelsea, in addition to 61 England caps.  

"I'd been in contact with the manager (Scott Parker) a few times over the summer, so I was aware he wanted to bring me to the club and I'm really looking forward to getting started," he continued.

"I wanted something to challenge me and this is totally different. I think it's been about 17 years since I last played in the Championship on loan.

"At the same time, I saw an opportunity to be involved in this journey. I saw the squad was very young and very talented with a good manager in place and ultimately, in and around promotion.

"I see that as a goal and a drive I want to get my teeth stuck into this season."

Cahill becomes Scott Parker's fourth signing as Bournemouth manager following his switch from Fulham: Emiliano Marcondes, keeper Orjan Nyland and Leeds United loanee Leif Davis also moving to the Vitality Stadium.