AFC BOURNEMOUTH boss Andoni Iraola confirmed that Inter Milan loanee Andrei Radu almost left the club in the last transfer window.

Signed in August on a loan deal with an option for the deal to be made permanent for £7million, Radu has made just five appearances for Cherries this term.

The Romanian international deputised for first choice Neto when Cherries’ captain was injured, but since the recall of Mark Travers from a loan spell at Stoke City Radu has been routinely left out of matchday squads.

Cherries listed two goalkeepers on their bench for their Premier League defeat at Aston Villa, with January signing Callan McKenna named alongside current number two Travers.

Radu was last included in a Cherries matchday squad for the FA Cup defeat to Leicester City at the end of February, with Travers starting that game.

In January it was reported that Radu had the option to make a move to Saudi Arabia, which would have required cancelling his loan move at Vitality Stadium.

However, no transfer materialised.

Asked if this was the case, Iraola told the Daily Echo: “It was an option.

“It was an option because for me we probably have too much in the goalkeeping side.

“Now we have four keepers and also the young ones that are pushing, that are training with us.

“Sometimes it is very difficult for them.

“It's very difficult because only one keeper plays.

“Normally only one is on the bench and they have to continue training with us, keeping the competitive level.

“I'm sure this has not been easy.

“He had some games where I think he was good.

“Also when Mark has had the chance has been performing well in the FA Cup.

“So it's a strong competition which is good for the team.

“But I suppose it's not easy for them.”