Eddie Howe has said that he will be "ruthless" in his decision making during the upcoming Premier League season.

The 37-year-old is preparing his Bournemouth side for their first-ever campaign after gaining promotion from the Championship last season.

He has been busy in the summer transfer window, having already signed Max Gradel, Lee Tomlin, Tyrone Mings, Sylvain Distin, Christian Atsu, Joshua King and Artur Boruc.

Howe has been known for showing loyalty to players who have served well for the club in recent years, but he insists that will not be the case this coming season.

"I do what's best for the team and if that means being ruthless and making some tough calls, I've proved in the past I'll do that," Howe is quoted as saying by Club Call.

"It's never easy to let go of players that have served you so well. But you have to think of the team going forward."

Bournemouth face Aston Villa on Saturday in their first Premier League match of the season.