GOALKEEPER Asmir Begovic believes Cherries being linked with big-money moves for high-profile stars indicates the club’s “great ambition”.

As well as bringing in David Brooks and Diego Rico for more than a combined £20million this summer, Eddie Howe’s side have been continually linked with Levante midfielder Jefferson Lerma.

The Sun today reported the Dorset club had had another bid rejected for the 23-year-old.

The tabloid also claimed Levante had told Cherries “to come back with £30m” after they tabled an offer, believed to be worth up to €30m, on Wednesday.

Asked what being linked with a player of that stature said about the direction of the club, Begovic said: “I think it’s great. It shows the club has ambition and wants to move forward and keep bringing in better players.

“It’s needed every single year. The Premier League keeps improving, it becomes more competitive and more difficult. We, as a club, want to keep improving.

“I think it shows great ambition from the club, which is great for everyone all-round.”

The transfer window is due to close on August 9.