The prospective new owners of Bournemouth reportedly intend to keep Gary O'Neil in charge of the club for the foreseeable future.

Last month, the current Cherries hierarchy made the decision to part ways with Scott Parker, who had guided his team to promotion from the Championship three months earlier.

However, the Englishman and the board had disagreements over transfer strategy, resulting in his departure just four matches into the new Premier League campaign.

When O'Neil was named as his temporary successor, it was expected that the first-team coach would only hold the reins in the short term.

That was until Bournemouth recorded five points from three matches, ensuring that they sat four points clear of the relegation zone heading into the international break.

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A number of experienced names have been heavily linked with a switch to the Vitality Stadium, including Sean Dyche who has been out of work since his exit from Burnley in April.

Nevertheless, according to The Sun, O'Neil is now the favourite to remain at the helm for Bournemouth's next batch of fixtures in the top flight.

American businessman William Foley is said to be close to completing a takeover of the South-coast outfit and no managerial decision is likely to be made until that deal is finalised.

However, the report suggests that Foley sees no reason to look for a new direction on a footballing front while Bournemouth are currently impressing under O'Neil.

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Either side of draws with Wolverhampton Wanderers and Newcastle United, Bournemouth overturned a two-goal deficit to post a 3-2 victory over possible relegation rivals Nottingham Forest.

Although Bournemouth continue to possess the second-worst defensive record in the division, just three goals have been conceded since O'Neil replaced Parker.

Foley has allegedly heard positive things about the 39-year-old's work and influence behind the scenes, hoping to keep him in charge for the start of the upcoming schedule.

Bournemouth return to action on October 1 when they play host to Brentford before playing a second home fixture in succession a week later against bottom-placed Leicester City.