Bournemouth boss Eddie Howe rejects Southampton move

Howe's success at Dean Court has attracted attention from other clubs

Bournemouth chairman Eddie Mitchell has said that Cherries manager Eddie Howe has turned down the chance to take over at south coast neighbours Southampton.

"Southampton politely approached me and asked if they could speak to Eddie," Mitchell told Sky Sports.

"Eddie went for an interview at the club - this morning [Thursday], he was offered the job, which he declined."

Managerless Southampton remain in talks with Scunthorpe over a compensation package for Iron manager Nigel Adkins.

Saints, who sacked Alan Pardew last week, released a statement earlier on Thursday explaining that the club was "continuing its discussions with a number of potential candidates."

606: DEBATE It now seems we offered the job to Adkins, we couldn't agree compensation so we offered the job to Howe, he declined so now we have gone back to Adkins NorthamSaintMikey

It added: "No further comment will be made on this matter until the club has appointed a new first team manager."

Howe, who took over as Cherries boss in January 2009, kept them in the Football League that season and turned down an approach from Peterborough - who were then in the Championship - last November.

He then led Bournemouth to promotion from League Two last term, despite a long-running transfer embargo, and signed a contract extension in the summer.

The Cherries have taken eight points from their first five games back in League One this season, and Mitchell continued on Sky: "We are very pleased that Eddie has decided to stay at Bournemouth.

"He's made his mind up - he's staying, whether they [Southampton] come back or not.

"It's a great achievement for the club to hold on to such a good manager."