EDDIE Mitchell says he is "more than hopeful" that manager-in-waiting Eddie Howe will attend tomorrow's clash against Leyton Orient at Goldsands Stadium.

Speaking to the Echo in the past few minutes, chairman Mitchell insisted a deal to bring Howe back to Dorset was close to being completed, with Cherries trying to agree a compensation package with Burnley.

Mitchell last night confirmed he had lodged an official approach with the Clarets to speak to Howe, while the Championship outfit responded with a statement claiming Cherries had not been given permission to talk to the 34-year-old.

Reports in the North West this afternoon claimed a deal for Howe was "very close", while Mitchell told the Echo an agreement had not yet been concluded.

Mitchell admitted he had anticipated finalising Howe's move last night, but added that suggestions compensation had now been agreed were "100 per cent not accurate". He also said there had been "a lot of toing and froing".