EDDIE Howe says letting players leave for free is a “possibility” given the vast sums of money on offer in the Premier League.

Star man Ryan Fraser has been linked with a move away from Vitality Stadium, drawing reported interest from Arsenal and Tottenham with his contract due to expire in the summer of 2020.

Cherries are set to receive an estimated figure of more than £100million in both prize money and television revenue after sealing a fifth straight season in the top flight and Howe says that gives the club greater power to keep hold of their top players.

He told the Daily Echo: “I think with the money involved in the Premier League now, letting a player’s contract run out is definitely something that’s a possibility.

“Ryan is probably more valuable to us on the pitch than the money we could ever get on a resale.

“He’s under contract next year and we’re looking forward to working with him again.”

He added: “I think that’s the case throughout the league. You know the money at stake and I think that’s why you’re seeing less players traded now than ever before because clubs see the value in keeping their players rather than selling them.

“Ultimately any players that get sold or signed has to be at the owner’s say so.

“He’s the one who is signing the players and having to put the money in to purchase the players, so there will always be a big consultation with him (Maxim Demin).”

Aside from Fraser, key men such as Nathan Ake and Callum Wilson have also been linked with big money moves. But Howe is determined to add to his squad rather than lose players.

He said: “At the moment all the players will be here next year because they’re under contract. Any decision that we make will be one that will be because we feel it is the best thing for the football club. I’m desperate to keep this squad stable and try and bring players in the other way and keep the team moving forward.”

Fraser, Cherries’ supporters' player of the year, ended the Premier League campaign with 14 assists, second only to Chelsea’s Eden Hazard.

Speaking to the Daily Echo last week, the Scot gave his take on his contract situation.

He said: “I’ve got a year left. There’s a very good chance I’ll be here next season.

“If that’s that then I’m going to try my best as I always do and I’ll enjoy it.

“I love the group here and the fans. There’s no bad side to what’s happening.

“There’s a good chance I’ll be here next season and I’ll try and beat my assists record next season as well.”