Freddie Woodman has confirmed he took the advice of three Newcastle United team-mates before sealing a deadline-day switch to Bournemouth.
The Magpies shot-stopper had been due to join the Cherries on loan last summer, only for spells on the sidelines for Karl Darlow and Martin Dubravka to scupper the deal.
Woodman started the first four Premier League matches of the season in black-and-white as well as the Carabao Cup defeat to Burnley, but has since watched on as both Steve Bruce and Eddie Howe opted for his more senior colleagues.
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Newcastle's business in the January transfer window meant a number of outgoings were inevitable, and the 24-year-old was finally able to join Scott Parker's side on Monday.
Woodman has prevously enjoyed two successful loan stints in the Championship with Swansea City, and he spoke with former Bournemouth stars Ryan Fraser, Matt Ritchie and Callum Wilson before agreeing to the latest move.
The trio unsurprisingly all recommended the move to the Championship promotion contenders, and it was these 'connections' which helped the ex-England youth international make his decision.
Woodman told the club's website: “First and foremost, I spoke to the players.
“Callum Wilson, Matty Ritchie, we’ve got Wee Man (Ryan Fraser) as well – there’s a lot of connections.
“They spoke so highly about the club and they knew that if I did come down here, that I would enjoy it. They were really pushing for me to come down here.
“Then obviously the management staff have been brilliant since they have come in – really tried to help me and improve me as a player, they were definitely all for me coming back here.”
It has been a frustrating few months for Woodman following the high of making his Premier League debut in August.
The young goalkeeper has not been shy in stressing his desire for first-team football, and he has expressed his delight at moving to Bournemouth at the second time of asking.
Woodman added: “It was meant to happen in the summer but I think everything happens for a reason.
“I am just so, so happy to be here now and to get it over the line, especially on the last day, is brilliant for me.
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“We had a trip to Saudi Arabia with Newcastle and I got wind that I’d be coming down here as soon as I got back. I had to get back from Saudi, to Newcastle, then down to Bournemouth.
“It’s been a bit of travelling but it will be worth it because I feel like I’ve signed for a fantastic football club.”
