Championship: Simon Francis says it was vital to keep Bournemouth squad together

Defender Simon Francis believes it was crucial for Bournemouth to keep their squad together, despite players attracting interest this summer.

Striker Lewis Grabban did depart Dean Court after Norwich City triggered his released clause, but the Cherries acted quickly to reinvest by bringing in Callum Wilson from Coventry.

Francis, 29, is reported to have been the subject of two unsuccessful bids for Derby County and he committed his future to Eddie Howe’s side by signing a three-year deal.

I wouldn’t have said anybody in the squad was looking to leave and it was vital we kept everyone together. I think the manager (Eddie Howe) has the right blend and the right number of players.

Francis told the Daily Echo: "I wouldn’t have said anybody in the squad was looking to leave and it was vital we kept everyone together.

"I think the manager has the right blend and the right number of players."

On whether players could arrive in the loan window, Francis said: "It will be down to the manager to see what else he wants to do with the squad.

"I think it is at a good level and we have lads who are ready to come in.

"Maybe other clubs might still think we are little old Bournemouth, coming in and enquiring about players or making bids.

"In reality, the club does not need to sell. They have a lot of financial backing now and can afford to keep players."

Fellow defender Steve Cook also extended his stay at Bournemouth this summer after much speculation surrounded his future.

Francis said: "Myself and Steve Cook signed new deals in the summer and it shows how far the club has come that they can offer contracts to players who there has been a bit of interest in.

"I was more than happy to stay. Everyone knows how much I enjoy it here and I was delighted to sign a new deal and I am sure Cookie was the same.

"If the manager is looking at keeping other lads for the longer term then I am sure they would be the same.

"This club is only going one way and that is up. I think we have seen that over the past couple of seasons."