Howe: 'Bournemouth have struggled in transfer window'

The club managed to finish in 12th position in the Premier League last season, but neverthless their manager says they have struggled to attract new players to strengthen their squad this summer.

Howe, who started his second stint as manager of the club in 2012, has already managed to secure the signing of the attacking midfielder David Brooks from Championship side Sheffiled United on a four-year contract, but has not managed to get any other fresh faces to move to the Vitality Stadium.

They had a bid of around £10 million for Chris Mepham of Bretford rejected earlier in the window, and thinks that this shows how difficult signing players may be for his side.

"This transfer window has been difficult," he said. "Transfer fees as always tend to go northwards, with the World Cup year and the window closing earlier.

"From the manager's perspective, you want to get the players in as early as you can to work with them and build your team for pre-season."

Despite the Cherries facing complications in their recruitment so far in the window, Howe remains confident that signings will come around.

"Certainly between now and the start of the season we will be active and looking to do business."