EDDIE Howe admits Cherries are still “uncomfortable” at paying hefty transfer fees – but insists it “goes with the territory” of being in the Premier League.

Howe was speaking after Cherries had last week shelled out £20million on Nathan Ake, shattering their club record for the fourth time in two years.

Tyrone Mings set the tone when he joined Cherries for £8m from Ipswich just weeks after the club had won promotion to the top flight in June 2015.

Benik Afobe’s £10m move from Wolves in January 2016 eclipsed that before Jordon Ibe’s reported £15m signing from Liverpool 12 months ago set a new benchmark.

It is a far cry from Howe’s first spell in charge when the club was under a rolling transfer embargo which prevented him from making any permanent additions between February 2009 and the summer of 2010.

In another exclusive interview with the Daily Echo, Howe said: “The difficulty for us is that most of our income is generated by the television money associated with the Premier League and not through our stadium.

“We are trying to be competitive in the league and trying to move the club forward to become an established club at this level.

“You are not going to do that if you are not active in the transfer market and not prepared to spend, as I think every Premier League club will this summer.

“Some of the figures are uncomfortable for us as a club because, historically, we have never paid these types of fees. But, until two years ago, we had never before been in the Premier League.

“It is something you have to get used to and adjust to very quickly. It is the climate we are in and you have to be prepared to do it. Hopefully, the effects will be seen on the pitch.”

Cherries were fined £7.6m for breaching Financial Fair Play rules after accruing losses on their way to winning promotion to the Premier League.

Howe added: “Had we not spent money over the past few years, I firmly believe we would not be in the Premier League now so it goes with the territory.

“There are some financial safeguards for all clubs at this level, the parachute payments being the main one.

“As a club, we are realistic enough to know that if we were to be relegated, we would either have to lose players or make a conscious decision to try to get promoted the following year by keeping them.

“The key thing for us is that we have predominantly tried to sign young players so there is a re-sale value.

“We are trying to hold our own and progress in the most competitive league in the world and it costs money to do that.

“The rewards are great if you can stay in the Premier League and there are pitfalls if you can’t. We are fully aware of that and I believe our spending is in keeping with where we would like to take the club.”