BRISTOL City have sealed the return of last season’s loan star Lee Tomlin, who has signed for an undisclosed fee from Premier League side AFC Bournemouth.

The 27-year-old attacker has passed a medical at the Failand training ground and put pen to paper on a three-year contract, tying him to the club until the summer of 2019.

Tomlin scored six times in 18 appearances at the tail end of the 2015/16 campaign, playing a key role in helping steer City away from the Sky Bet Championship relegation zone.

Head coach Lee Johnson said: “We’re delighted to welcome Lee back to Ashton Gate. Credit has to go to the Board for their efforts in getting this deal done.

“I believe we’ve signed the most talented player at Championship level in terms of ability. He was fantastic for us last season and I believe his best football is ahead of him.

“He does things every day in training that make you smile – you think how on earth has he done that?

“Hopefully it’s a statement of intent. It shows the kind of football we want to play.

“I’m sure everyone will be pleased with it and, who knows, it might just bring a few more supporters through the turnstiles into the new-look Ashton Gate, increasing our already superb fanbase.”

Tomlin began his career with Rushden & Diamonds, making 197 appearances and scoring 38 times.

Peterborough United took him into League One in August 2010 and he played a key role in their promotion to the Championship in his maiden campaign with the club.

A total of 43 goals in 156 games for the Posh saw Middlesbrough come calling in 2013/14, initially on loan before the switch became permanent.

Bournemouth snapped up Tomlin in the summer of 2015 following their promotion to the Premier League, giving the forward his first chance in the top flight.

But chances were few and far between at the Vitality Stadium, allowing City the opportunity to loan in the maverick attacker.

It proved a match made in heaven as Tomlin lit up Ashton Gate with some sparkling displays, including a memorable goal in the 6-0 drubbing of Bolton Wanderers.

Tomlin now begins a new chapter in his career with a three-year deal signed and sealed in BS3.