Eddie Howe targets Bournemouth survival not Premier League bonus

Eddie Howe insists Bournemouth are focused on Premier League survival and not bonus payments for their top-flight finish.

The Cherries host Stoke on Saturday with 41 points already on the board and in 10th place following successive wins over struggling Middlesbrough and bottom club Sunderland, meaning just a point will secure their league status for another season.

Bournemouth finished the previous campaign in 16th on 42 points and although the prospect of a bigger bonus payout looms for a higher placing this year, Howe is adamant the money is not the primary objective.

"Looking towards the long term, the objective is always first to stay in the Premier League and we have not done that yet, so we need to focus on that first and then it is about finishing as high as you can and that is what we will be trying to do," said Howe.

"I just want to focus on the (Stoke) game and if we can win it then we will be mathematically safe and will be on for a very exciting end to the season."

On the prize money available for a higher finish, Howe added: "I don't need any reminding, but the money's not the motivating factor, the will to win is.

"My motivation is always to win and to inspire my team to go out and win."

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Bournemouth will be looking to add to their squad depth over the summer, and have been linked with moves for the likes of Sunderland striker Jermain Defoe and Chelsea veteran goalkeeper Asmir Begovic.

While not commenting on any transfer rumours, Howe expects to be able to do some business.

"Previously we have shown our ambitions, where we want to go and what we want to do, which is to really try to move the club forwards every season, trying to improve," he said.

"That has always been our mantra and what we work towards every day. If that means keeping a similar squad to what we had last year and trying to make the players better or recruiting from the outside, then that is what we will look to do."

Howe added: "We are not looking to sell anybody, we want to take the club and the team forwards. To do that, we have got to keep our best players."

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