INTERIM boss Gary O’Neil insisted his “pure focus” was on preparing Cherries for their trip to Newcastle United tomorrow (3pm) – despite wide reports over a proposed takeover of the club.

A Las Vegas-led consortium is reportedly pushing to buy the Dorset outfit.

Cherries owner Maxim Demin is reported to be weighing up whether to sell, with US investors, fronted by businessman Bill Foley, ready to pay £150million for the south coast club.

Foley, who is majority owner of the National Hockey League side Las Vegas Golden Knights, has reportedly entered exclusive talks to purchase Cherries.

But O’Neil, who was thrust into interim charge following the sacking of Scott Parker last month, is only concerned with what happens on the pitch.

Asked about the proposed takeover, the former Portsmouth and West Ham midfielder said: “I am not involved in any sort of discussions like that. I have been hard at work over the other side on the grass.

“Takeovers and discussions of that level are obviously a long way from my mind and what I’m focused on, which is Newcastle. It’s going to be a big test.”

Whan asked by the Daily Echo about a possible takeover, the club declined to comment.

Cherries are owned by businessman Demin.

Demin's AFCB Enterprises Ltd secured 100 per cent ownership of the club in 2019, having initially purchased a 50 per cent share in 2011.

When contacted by the Daily Echo regarding the above report, the club declined to comment.

An American takeover at Vitality Stadium would see more than half of the current Premier League clubs with minority or majority US shareholders.

Put to him that Cherries’ reported ownership situation could put him in line for more games in charge, O’Neil replied: “I’m not sure. I haven’t considered anything around takeovers, discussions upstairs, my position. Whatever that is it is.

“I am just fully focused. Literally, every minute of my day is taken up by how we go about Newcastle. Since I heard the Brighton game was off.

“My wife and kids will tell you every minute of my day so far since that is Newcastle, with the laptop or on the grass with the lads.

“Pure focus on how we go there, have an impact on the game and come away with a positive result again.”