Andoni Iraola has already explained Bournemouth's rejection of Newcastle United enquiry

Newcastle United are said to have come up short in their early efforts to sign Dominic Solanke, and AFC Bournemouth boss Andoni Iraola may have already explained why. The Magpies are said to be keen to add another forward this winter despite having some strong options between the likes of Alexander Isak, Callum Wilson, Anthony Gordon, Miguel Almiron and Harvey Barnes, though the latter has struggled with injury so far.

Eddie Howe knows his side need to step things up if they are to qualify for Europe again this season, and reports claim an enquiry was sent to Bournemouth, although it was quickly knocked back. Solanke has been a key man for the Cherries over recent years, and having moved up to 12th in the table, and just four points behind Newcastle, they are not keen on the idea of losing him.

The player often has some power in these situations, but it would seem Solanke is not likely to try to force a move, with Cherries boss Iraola already answering a question focused on a possible exit for Solanke this winter.

"I think it's very good he received some recognition because I think he really deserves it," Iraola said back in late November. "He is the first one to work, the first one to try to help his team-mates.

"And it's not like he has played [only] the last two or three games very well - he has been really constant in his performances and he really deserves all the recognition. Obviously, I think he's really happy here. He has shown it also, renewing his contract not so much time ago. So I think it's really nice for us.

"The feeling I've had with him since day one has been very, very good. He has a lot of different skills. He can adapt to different ways of playing and he's very complete to be a number nine. Probably we talk more about him when he scores the goals but his performances have been more or less the same level since the first day of the season. It's a pleasure that we have him in the team."