Howe responds to Solanke claims, Eales interview & makes damning transfer admission

Eddie Howe has revealed his "love" for Dominic Solanke following links with the Bournemouth striker, but denies claims of a January enquiry as we "don't have the ability to sign a player of that level" this month.

He admits it's a "frustrating story", as it's clear he's a big fan but also evident that FFP won't allow us to pursue such an expensive mid-season deal.

That said, with injuries racking up - Joelinton has been ruled out for SIX weeks and Joe Willock, Elliot Anderson and Harvey Barnes aren't close to returning - Howe admits that now may be the time to make a few "short-term" signings to help us for the "here and now", even if they don't quite fit the clubs long-term vision.

However, he hinted that loan deals are proving difficult one for us, believing we have very few "friends in the market", with no clubs happy to "help us out." A nod to Man City's hefty demands for Kalvin Phillips, perhaps?

As for Darren Eales' recent interview, he suggested that our CEO's words on FFP and outgoings had been twisted slightly, as he accepted that players sales are needed, not necessarily the sale of our 'star players.' Read what Howe had to say below:

Howe on Dominic Solanke and our need for new signings:

“Yes, a frustrating story for me because, yes I love Dominic Solanke, I signed him and I rate him very, very highly. But we have not made an enquiry for him and we don’t have the ability to sign a player of that level.

"Given the freedom to act, we would have brought players in already but we're not in that situation. The owners are very ambitious & would like to improve the squad at every opportunity but the rules & conditions we're working under don't allow that.

“Sometimes you have to make short-term signings, take your long-term vision away and do something to help us for the here and now. I’d be quite happy to do that. We’re probably in a short-term moment now where the squad needs help for the next few weeks.

“I think there is value in the loan market, but I’m not sure there is for us. We’re in that moment where I don’t think we have many friends in the market. I’m not sure anyone wants to help us out.”

Howe on Darren Eales' interview:

“Believe it or not, we do discuss these things on a regular basis. It’s not news to me. I don’t think he (Darren Eales) said sell a star player, he said we might need to sell a player and clubs do that. Certainly selling a player or players is something this club will do now for the foreseeable future.

“My job is to push as hard as I can to improve the team, to try and make it the best it can. I will continue to do that but I have to respect and understand the football club’s health. We want it here in 500 years and we want it in a really good place.”