Cherries make official approach for Howe

Last night, the Clarets refusing Bournemouth permission to speak to the 34-year-old, after the Cherries finally confirmed an official approach for their former boss.

Chief executive Lee Hoos said in a statement: “Bournemouth have made an unsolicited and unwanted approach for manager Eddie Howe.

“Burnley Football Club would like to stress that no agreement has been reached and Eddie Howe is still Burnley manager.

“No permission has been granted for Bournemouth to speak to Eddie.”

Despite the club playing hardball over the man they appointed in January 2011, he is still expected to return to Dean Court as soon as compensation is agreed.

Howe confirmed that stance late last night in a text message, and it now appears a case of when, rather than if.

He isn’t expected at Gawthorpe this morning, after taking training yesterday.

Cherries chairman Eddie Mitchell believes the club are close to securing Howe’s return ahead of their clash at home to Leyton Orient tomorrow, with family reasons the major factor in his decision to drop from a club in the Championship to the League 1 relegation zone.

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