CHERRIES are still looking to strengthen their midfield according to boss Andoni Iraola.

Highly coveted Alex Scott arrived from Bristol City on Thursday, Cherries paying an initial £20million to secure the signature of one of English football’s rising stars.

However, an injury sustained prior to the completion of the move has poured cold water on the arrival of Scott, with the central midfielder out for a ‘couple of months.’

Prior to the signing of Scott, Iraola had shared how he wanted multiple new bodies in the midfield, and it appears Cherries are pressing on in search of further additions.

Iraola commented: “Probably the area we need to reinforce is the midfield.

“It's something that we've been talking about during the summer and we still have time on the market.

“And that's the area where the club is focusing right now.”

The announcement of Scott was quickly followed by confirmation that Max Aarons has also become a Cherry.

Leaving Norwich City for Dorset, Aarons is Cherries’ fifth new signing of the window, bolstering Iraola’s options at full-back.

Asked if expectations increased with every new arrival, Iraola replied: “It always happens in all the clubs and it's a good thing.

“I think it's good that people want to see the team.

“We hope we can give them a good game tomorrow.

“We hope to get a good result.

“But I want to go in the way that we've been working in the last weeks and that's what we are going to try tomorrow.”

Asked if he had a rough idea of who would start against West Ham in mind, Iraola shared: “I mostly know the starting XI.

“Probably I'm waiting for the last training in some positions.

“Also I have to talk to the players.

“We have some players that we have to make sure they are ready to start or probably they can only help us second half.

“But in my mind, I know what I have here.”