Bournemouth intend to step up contract talks with Andoni Iraola over the next month, with the club keen to retain a manager they believe is one of the best in the Premier League.

In a summer of change on the South Coast, Iraola was a reassuring constant.

The Cherries sold more than £200m worth of talent in the close season but there was never a chance of the brilliant Basque boss following them out of the door after he pledged his commitment earlier in the spring.

Those who know him describe Iraola as not only a cutting-edge coach but also refreshingly clear-minded, honest and immune to playing the sort of politics that some of his peers revel in.

The hope is that the Bournemouth project, which has seen American owner Bill Foley invest more than £300m since taking over on players and a

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