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Bournemouth complete loan deal for Roma winger Juan Iturbe

Bournemouth have wasted no time making their first move in the transfer window with the loan capture of winger Juan Iturbe from Roma.

The 22-year-old, an Argentina Under-20 international, joins Eddie Howe's team for the rest of the season subject to endorsement from the Football Association and a European work permit.

Bournemouth have the option of making the move permanent in the summer for an undisclosed fee.

Iturbe, who has scored three goals in 39 league appearances for Roma, had been heavily linked with a move to the south coast and he revealed Bournemouth's desire to sign him was the clinching factor.

He told Cherries Player: "It's a big opportunity for me to come and play in the Premier League. I'd like to thank everyone for making this move happen and I'm very pleased to be here.

"There were a few clubs that were interested but things happened pretty quickly and once this process was under way it was a straightforward decision for me to make.

"I didn't know a lot about Bournemouth as a club but the more I read and the more I found out how much they wanted me, it's an easy decision to go to a place where you feel really wanted. That became the overriding factor.''

Iturbe was born in Argentina but grew up in Paraguay and began his career with Cerro Porteno before moving to Europe and joining Porto when he was 18.

Successful loan spells with River Plate and Verona prompted Roma to shell out more than £17 million to bring him to the Italian capital on a five-year deal in the summer of 2014.

Iturbe has made 19 appearances for Roma this season, scoring his only goal against Frosinone in September.

He trained with his new teammates on Friday but will not be eligible for Saturday's trip to Leicester.

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