CHERRIES skipper Simon Francis says he would embrace any extra competition for his starting spot provided by new arrivals to Dean Court.

Although the Daily Echo understands rumours linking Cherries with John Terry are wide of the mark, speculation persists that boss Eddie Howe is targeting Chelsea's Nathan Ake.

Cherries defender Steve Cook has already warned any summer signings to expect a "fight for their shirt".

And the 32-year-old Francis, who played 34 Premier League matches last season after being ever-present during the club's debut top-flight campaign, is similarly up for a battle.

He does, though, recognise the value of possessing plenty of strength in depth and insists an intense scrap for starting jerseys is the sign of a healthy club.

Francis told the Daily Echo: "Competition for places is what it is all about at the top level, you have to have that.

"At times our squad has been bare and we could probably have done with more defenders. We have had a few injuries and had to play players out of position.

"Because of the injuries we had in the past few seasons, I was pushed inside to centre-half and I have not looked back.

"I have enjoyed playing there a lot. I am sure the manager will look at the depth of the squad over the summer."