Report: Bournemouth boss Eddie Howe to snub Southampton

Eddie Howe has reportedly decided to reject Southampton in favour of staying at Bournemouth.

The Cherries boss is believed to be the Saints' number one target as they prepare for the departure of Ronald Koeman.

The Dutchman is reportedly on the verge of taking over at Everton after agreeing a three-year deal, but is now waiting on the two clubs to agree a compensation deal.

Southampton chief executive Les Reed is said to be an admirer of Howe, who guided Bournemouth to the Premier League for the first time in the club's history last summer and comfortably kept them in the top flight for next season.

According to The Mirror, Howe has told friends that he will not be lured away from the Vitality Stadium as long as the club's Russian owner Maxim Demin continues to make funds available.

The report adds that Howe is happy having full control at Bournemouth, which would not be the case in the equivalent role at St Mary's.

Howe is almost four years into his second spell in charge of the Cherries - the 38-year-old spent three years at the helm before joining Burnley for a short spell in 2011.