CHERRIES have reportedly made “another ambitious move” for Patrick Vieira in their search for a manager, according to The Mirror.

The Arsenal legend was linked with the role at Vitality Stadium back in February, following the sacking of Jason Tindall.

Jonathan Woodgate was however given a position as head coach on a contract until the end of the season – and saw the Dorset club beaten by Brentford in the Championship play-off semi-finals.

The tabloid claims the Dorset club have now had talks with Vieira.

The Daily Echo understands the club had hoped to have finalised a managerial team by now, with the process taking longer than anticipated.

Managerial vacancies at Premier League clubs Everton and Crystal Palace, as well as recently relegated West Brom, is said to be complicating the process with potential candidates for those roles weighing up their options.

The Mirror claim Viera “is ready for another challenge but would ideally like to manage in the Premier League”.

Speaking to BBC Radio Solent earlier this month, chairman Jeff Mostyn said: “We are currently finalising the recruitment process for a manager and we’re in the closing stages of that.

“The manager appointment, we all know, is fundamental. It’s the key appointment of the summer and it’s the first piece of a puzzle."

As well as Mostyn, chief executive Neill Blake and technical director Richard Hughes have been part of the process with owner Max Demin set to have the final say on any appointment.