PUNDIT Jamie Redknapp insists it is inevitable Eddie Howe will be sought after but says he understands the loyalty shown by the Cherries boss.

Howe is widely viewed as one of English football's brightest managerial prospects having guided Cherries to safety in the club's first Premier League season.

Amersham-born Howe, tipped by many as a future England boss, was linked with the top job at both Chelsea and Everton during the 2015-16 campaign.

However, the 38-year-old repeatedly affirmed his loyalty to Cherries and stated his focus remained firmly on matters at Vitality Stadium.

Former Cherries star Redknapp, educated at Twynham School, believes Howe will inevitably attract interest from the Premier League's big guns.

Redknapp told the Daily Echo: "I do see him getting linked with bigger jobs and I don't think anyone would begrudge him that.

"When you look at the modern game, who wouldn't want a manager who doesn't want to spend that much money, wants to introduce youngsters and tries his best to improve players?

"His age belies his experience. He is such a young manager but is so calm and assured. He ticks every single box a chairman would want so of course he is going to be sought after.

"Of course there will come a time. You have got to try and better yourself and improve if you can.

"In the meantime, I'm sure Eddie goes home and feels very comfortable in his surroundings. He obviously loves it down there and the fans love him and rightly so – he's been incredible.

"As long as the owner keeps spending money and buying the players Eddie wants, why wouldn't he stay? It's a great life down there.

"But I suppose if Chelsea, Manchester United or Tottenham came calling in future, it would be very difficult to say no."

Redknapp, who was raised in Christchurch and Ashley Heath, revealed he had not been surprised to see Cherries avoid the drop from the top flight.

And the former Liverpool and Tottenham star admitted his only major concern had come when Howe's side suffered a succession of serious injuries.

Redknapp added: "This season their progress hasn't been a surprise to me, last season, yes.

"I watched so much of Bournemouth last year and was willing them to come up to the Premier League, and I had a feeling they were going to be okay.

"My only worry was when they lost Callum Wilson, Max Gradel and Tommy Elphick to injury.

"But I am so pleased for the players. I think they have been amazing and deserve all the credit."

Having joined Cherries as a trainee, midfielder Redknapp made his Second Division debut as a substitute in the 4-1 win at Hull in January 1990.

He went on to make 13 appearances in total before joining Liverpool for £350,000 in January 1991, with Alex Watson moving in the opposite direction.