Cherries boss keen to hold on to Solanke
ANDONI Iraola has insisted Newcastle United target Dominic Solanke is very happy at AFC Bournemouth when quizzed about the 26-year-old’s future at the club.
The Magpies were claimed to have held an interest in bringing the striker to St James’ Park, with Eddie Howe speaking very highly of the Cherries forward ahead of a potential reunion. Speculation surrounding the England international has been widespread given his form this term.
Solanke’s strike against Aston Villa last month took his tally for the season to 18 goals, his highest tally in the Premier League. The Englishman is also hopeful of securing a place in Gareth Southgate’s Euro 2024 squad for the summer, but faces stiff competition from the likes of Ivan Toney and Ollie Watkins.
But Newcastle know that should they get their man, a quite hefty transfer fee could be in order to prize him away from the Vitality Stadium. Solanke signed a new deal with the Cherries in September last year until the end of the 2026/27 season.
And when quizzed about Solanke’s future at the club, Iraola said he does not expect the final two games of their season to be his last. However, he did admit he was unsure about what the future may hold over the summer.
“I hope he stays with us and plays a lot more games with us. But I don’t know what’s going to happen, not with Dom, nor with the other players,” he said.
“I hope they continue with us, especially the ones who have been more involved, have been more important, or they feel more important.
“But as a manager, I don’t know what’s going to happen.”