BOSS Eddie Howe insists Cherries’ summer recruitment will not be thrown into chaos should Britain vote to leave the European Union in June.

The result of the referendum could see players from EU countries require work permits to represent clubs in the UK in the future.

Current rules require footballers from outside the European Economic Area (EEA) to play between 30 and 75 per cent of their country’s international fixtures over the previous two years. The percentage is set by FIFA’s world rankings.

Britain could still opt to allow freedom of movement with EEA countries even if the public chooses to leave but either way, Howe insisted any impact on Cherries would be minimal due to his preference to buy British.

Howe told the Daily Echo: “It has not affected my plans as such because we were mainly looking at the domestic market anyway. That has always been our way of working.

“Since reaching the Premier League, we have broadened our horizons slightly and opened up to the foreign market to a degree. I think we will have to wait and see on that and make the appropriate changes should we need to.”

On the wider impact on football, Howe added: “Time will tell. I am sure people are making plans dependent on the eventualities and it will be interesting to see what happens.

“There have been big debates here, there and everywhere about lots of different subjects. Football is one of the minor things compared with the larger issues the country faces regarding this decision.

“Football will have to adapt accordingly. I think we are in a slightly fortunate position because the majority of our players are British and I think that is the way it will remain for us.”

Asked whether his role would affect his personal stance on Europe, Howe said: “No. My vote is already in my mind and the job won’t change that.”

Meanwhile, Howe played down his presence at recent Championship fixtures being highlighted by the media.

Howe has been pictured alongside assistant Jason Tindall at Reading in recent weeks with speculation over moves for midfielder Oliver Norwood, among others.

The Daily Mail also reported Howe had been spotted at Leeds, reigniting talk of a swoop for Lewis Cook.

Howe added: “If people want to take photos of me at games, I have no problem with that.

“I am at games all the time, it is part of my job to watch and look at various things.

“People will naturally to recruitment but sometimes, I am there just to watch the game, learn and to see the level.

“I could dress up in whatever I wanted to try to disguise myself but I don’t see the point. I have been to lots of Championship games all season so people can read what they want into that.”

WHO CAN GET A WORK PERMIT?

Non-EEA players usually need to have fulfilled a percentage of international fixtures for a country in the top 50 of FIFA’s world rankings. Clubs have the right to appeal refused work permits.

FIFA 1-10: 30% and above

FIFA 11-20: 45% and above

FIFA 21-30: 60% and above

FIFA 31-50: 75% and above