The 22-year-old left-back has put pen to paper on a four-year deal and will work under one of the most well-respected young coaches in the English game in Eddie Howe who’s paid a reported $10.5 million to bring the New South Welshman to the Vitality Stadium.

Smith progressed through Liverpool’s academy system after moving the UK from Ballina, on the NSW north coast as a teenager, but featured in less than 10 EPL matches after his debut in late 2013 against Chelsea.

Despite the big-money transfer Smith will have a battle on his hands to make the left-back spot his own with the established first-choice Charlie Daniels and the highly-rated Tyron Mings also vying for the position.

“I’m really looking forward to the opportunity here,” Smith told Bournemouth’s official website.

“It all happened quite quickly. I knew there was a bit of interest and then they put the bid in, Liverpool accepted and we went from there really.

“I flew to America [with Liverpool] and was there for about five days. Once I found out that the bid had been accepted, I stopped training with the team to make sure everything went the right way.”

Despite being the smallest club in the Premier League, Bournemouth survived comfortably in their first season in the top flight last year and Smith said the club is on the up.

“Bournemouth did really well last season and I think the club can be a great team in the Premier League for many years to come,” he said.

“They’re just getting started really.

“I think it’ll be a good fit for me and I can’t wait to get going here.”

Smith will have at least one familiar face at his new club in Socceroos teammate Aaron Federici, who is one of the Cherries’ goalkeepers.

Elsewhere, Young Socceroos defender Cameron Elder agreed to join Brentford on a season-long loan from EPL champions Leicester.

The 21-year-old from Sydney is highly-rated by the Foxes coaching staff who want him to play regularly in the Championship after spending a spell on loan with third-tier club Peterborough last year.

-AAP