A host of La Liga clubs, including Real Sociedad, are interested in signing Diego Rico, according to a report in Spain.

The Cherries left-back arrived last summer from Leganes and Mundo Deportivo claim he is keen on a return back to his homeland.

Rico, 26, still has three years remaining on his contract at Vitality Stadium following his £10.7million move.

The defender had a stop-start debut campaign with Cherries, featuring just 16 times before his season was cut short due to an ankle injury.

Before this season, Rico had spent his whole career playing in Spain with the report claiming Real Sociedad have a long-standing interest in the player. But they could also have competition from up to eight La Liga rivals, who are said to also be interested in Rico.

Speaking in April, boss Eddie Howe discussed Rico's first season in England.

He told the Daily Echo: “He’s done okay. It’s difficult to adapt. I think for Diego slightly with the intensity and physicality of the division.

“The Premier League is very different to other leagues but he has got the technical quality and he has got a lovely left foot. He’s got the ability to play in the team.

“He would have been frustrated, I am sure, that he has not played a little bit more but there is still plenty of time for him to do that.

"It probably needed a run of games to fully feel comfortable in the team and get to know his team-mates fully.

“That is going to have to wait until next season but there is certainly something there and we will continue to work with him.”