Bournemouth head coach Gary O'Neil was not too eager to discuss the contract situation of Jefferson Lerma.

The Colombian is out of contract in the summer, and can even talk with clubs outside of England in January.

While the Cherries are not going to sell him mid-season, O'Neil hopes they can avoid losing him in the summer as well.

Asked during a press conference about retaining Lerma, he stated: “Jeff's been fantastic for the club. He's been a great signing, obviously.

“He's been here for a long time and helped the club to promotion.

“He's been brilliant for us again this season, so of course we want him to sign, we want him to stay.

“But as with all new contract negotiations, every situation is sort of individual.

“I don't want to speak for the players themselves, but obviously from a club point of view, hopefully we manage to keep the ones that we really want to keep."