Bournemouth manager Andoni Iraola has weighed in on speculation linking striker Dominic Solanke with a move to Tottenham Hotspur.
Spurs are in the market for a new striker to lead the line, and Solanke has emerged as a primary target.
The 26-year-old was in sensational form last season, netting 19 goals in 38 Premier League games, and his exceptional form has attracted interest from Spurs.
However, Cherries manager Iraola believes Solanke is happy at the Vitality Stadium and hopes he remains at the club beyond this summer.
“It’s obvious, Dom [Solanke] is the most important player for us,” Iraola told Sky Sports. “But the numbers are there.
“It’s not [just] about the goals, he helps us a lot in the build-up, the press. He doesn’t have big weaknesses for us, he makes us a much better team.
“I feel like he’s happy here. He’s already training with the group.
“We cannot control everything – we don’t know how the market is going to finish but whatever happens he is a top professional.
“He’ll be helping the team, I hope, for a lot of years.”
Tottenham’s move for Solanke spells trouble for Richarlison
Tottenham are keen to land Solanke but may have to trigger his £65 million release clause.
Nevertheless, they are determined to strike a deal and are expected to intensify their pursuit of the former Chelsea and Liverpool man in the coming days.
Tottenham’s move for Solanke spells trouble for Richarlison, who has struggled to justify his mouth-watering price tag since joining the club two years ago.
The 27-year-old has notched just 15 goals and eight assists in 66 appearances and will likely drop to the bench if Tottenham finalise a deal for Solanke.
Richarlison revealed that he received a hefty contract offer from a club in the Saudi Pro League but rejected the deal in favour of remaining at Spurs.
However, he needs to significantly improve his output if he is to retain his place in Postecoglou’s squad this season.
Stats from Transfermarkt.com
