MANAGER Eddie Howe insists Cherries will neither break the bank nor bust the club’s wages ceiling in its pursuit of new players.

Howe, whose dealings are governed by the Football League’s financial fair play rules, was speaking ahead of the opening of the transfer window at midnight tonight.

Having returned to the Championship for the first time since 1990, Howe says his priority is to put down long-term foundations and look to establish the club in the second flight.

And while he has identified “two or three areas” he would like to strengthen, Howe maintains any new additions would have to “fit in”, both to the squad and to the club’s financial framework.

Howe told the Daily Echo: “It is easy to be critical when you don’t get three points but you have to look at the bigger picture. I have been pleased with our performances and, if you can maintain those high levels, you will win games.

“It was frustrating we couldn’t make the most of our opportunities against Ipswich but we are not going to find an instant solution. The calibre of player that would make a difference to us is going to cost millions of pounds.

“We have a wage restriction with the financial fair play and also with the structure as the squad stands.

“To bring in the type of striker who would complement what we have and take us to the next level is going to be way out of our league.

"We need to work with the players we have and make them better, which is what we strive to do every day. We have very good players so need to be selective about what, if any, business we do in January because the squad is doing well at the moment. I am not ruling out making signings but they would have to fit in with what we are trying to do.”

Howe confirmed talks regarding a permanent deal with loan goalkeeper Lee Camp were “ongoing” with the 29-year-old due to become a free agent when his contract with West Brom expires following Cherries’ clash at Brighton tomorrow.

Boss Howe added: “Players we bring in have to fall in line with the wage structure we have and with the financial fair play rules. When you are talking about good players, it is always a difficult balance to get right and you can’t risk the future of the football club.

“Hopefully, from my perspective, we will agree with Campy and, if we don’t, we will have to go in a different direction. But it has to be right financially for this football club and there are so many different things to consider in that respect.”

Meanwhile, Howe also confirmed striker Matt Tubbs would return to Dean Court following the expiry of his loan spell with Rotherham next month.