Simon Francis believes manager Eddie Howe can turn Bournemouth into contenders for Europe

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Bournemouth captain Simon Francis believes Eddie Howe can transform the Cherries into unlikely European contenders next season.

The south coast side need a win at Leicester on Sunday to secure a place in the top ten, but will finish in the highest position in the club's history regardless of the result.

Defender Francis, a mainstay of Bournemouth's amazing rise from League One into the top-flight, said: 'I think we can compete with a lot of teams in mid-table, and above, to sign players now.

Simon Francis believes under Eddie Howe next season Bournemouth can challenge for Europe

'Especially with the exciting football we play. 'I'm sure any player considering signing for us would know they would enjoy their football here. I think we're a big club for players to look at in the summer, definitely.

'I don't think European football is out of our reach. We have always asked, even in our League One days, 'can we keep improving every season'?

'We have done that, so far. That is not to say we will be challenging for the title in three or four years.

Eddie Howe has plans to improve the Cherries and not all at once in the Premier League

'But teams like Southampton have qualified for the Europa League. That is a step forward in the next few years and what the manager will want to look at.

'I'd love to play European football and I'm sure all the lads would say the same. As long as we keep improving under the manager, it's not too far off.'

Francis' only concern is that the more successful Bournemouth are the greater the chance manager Eddie Howe will be poached by a bigger club

He added: 'The better we are doing, the better it looks for him.

'But I think he knows how well he is doing with this club and how far he can take us in the next few years.'

'He loves coming in every day and loves working hard with the players.'