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Saints land Minamino, Shane Long heads for Bournemouth

Shane Long has dropped down to the Championship for a promotion
Shane Long has dropped down to the Championship for a promotion

Liverpool forward Takumi Minamino has joined Southampton on loan until the end of the season, with Republic of Ireland attacker Shane Long heading to Bournemouth.

The Japan international replaces Long at St Mary's while the Tipperary man's arrival at the Cherries paved the way for Joshua King to return to the Premier League with Everton.

Southampton manager Ralph Hasenhuttl told the club's website: "I am very pleased to welcome Takumi to our squad for the rest of this season.

"He will help provide another good attacking option, and is importantly the right profile of player for us."
The Norway international has signed a contract until the end of the season and moves for what the Toffees describe as "a nominal fee".

King scored 48 goals in 161 Premier League appearances for the Cherries before their relegation last season. Carlo Ancelotti will hope he'll add depth to a squad hoping to push for a top-four finish.

Meanwhile 34-year-old Long will get some much desired game time at the Vitality Stadium.

"I am delighted to bring an attacker of Shane's experience and quality to the club," said AFC Bournemouth manager Jason Tindall.

"As well as his undoubted technical ability, Shane’s character, maturity and leadership skills are something we have been searching for to add to what is a relatively young squad.

"He has played at the highest level for the majority of his career - including the past nine seasons - and we are hoping to bring the best out of him over the coming months as we aim to gain promotion back to the Premier League."

Meanwhile, Long's arrival saw King depart Bournemouth and return to the Premier League with Everton.

The Toffees announced the move just after 1am following the filing of deal sheets ahead of the deadline, with King signing until the end of the season for what the club called "a nominal fee".

The Norway international, who joined Bournemouth from Blackburn Rovers prior to the 2015-16 season, scored 48 goals in 161 Premier League appearances for the Cherries before their relegation last season.

Earlier in the day, goalkeeper Jonas Lossl returned to his first club FC Midtjylland without ever playing a competitive game for Everton.

The Toffees also sent defender Jonjoe Kenny and midfielder Anthony Gordon out on loan to Celtic and Preston respectively. 

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