FABIAN Schar has revealed how close he was to joining Cherries back in 2014.

It has long been established that former Cherries boss Eddie Howe has been an admirer of the Swiss defender, with Schar revealing that the mutual respect goes beyond their current stint at Newcastle together.

Whilst the Athletic recently reported that Howe had targeted Schar in the summer of 2017, the defender himself told Newcastle’s matchday magazine that a move nearly transpired in 2014, when Cherries were still in the Championship.

At the time Schar was still in his native Switzerland, playing in the Champions League knockout stages with Basel, where he won three consecutive league titles.

Reflecting on the potential transfer, Schar stated: “We had a few phone calls at that time.

“It was really a possibility for me.

“They were still in the Championship then, the year before they went up I think.

“At that time, I wasn’t sure whether to go into the second league.

“But I knew him (Howe), and the way he plays.

“I knew it was something that suited me so at that moment, it was very important to go somewhere which I think is best for me.

“Obviously, I made another decision then, but not because of him - because I had another chance to play in a top league.

“But when he came (to Newcastle), I had a good feeling about it.”

Whilst Newcastle’s revival in form coincided with the £90 million spent in the January transfer window, Howe has already started receiving plaudits for the work he has done at a previously stagnant Newcastle.

Sidelined by previous managers, Schar shared that Howe had given him “confidence” since taking over in November.

“This is for me, the most thing,” continued the 30-year-old.

“He even said to me before the first game that he knows what sort of player I am and that he knows me.

“I felt really comfortable from day one. The way we play, and I think the way we will try to play in the next few years suits me perfectly.

“I will try to be the player I am with a manager who knows me and gives me confidence.”