Former Wanderers midfielder Gary O’Neil is reportedly set to be offered the Bournemouth job on a permanent basis.

O’Neil was named interim boss earlier this season following Scott Parker’s departure from the Vitality Stadium.

The 39-year-old has guided the Cherries to 14th in the Premier League table after a difficult start to the campaign.

He oversaw an emphatic 3-0 win against Everton before the World Cup break thanks to goals from Marcus Tavernier, Kieffer Moore and Jaidon Anthony.

O’Neil is now set to be offered the role in a full-time capacity, according to a report by The Telegraph.

Bournemouth had also been linked with former Leeds boss Marcelo Bielsa but talks are said to have stalled.

O’Neil joined Wanderers on a free transfer in the summer of 2018 and went on to score three goals in 31 appearances.

His performances saw him named Player of the Year, although he wasn’t able to prevent the Whites from suffering relegation from the Championship.

O’Neil – who also had spells at Portsmouth and Middlesbrough among others – began his coaching career at Liverpool, where he served as assistant manager for the Under-23 side.

The 39-year-old left his role at the Anfield club to join the backroom staff at Bournemouth around 18 months ago, initially holding the position of first-team coach.

When asked about his future earlier this month, O’Neil told The Daily Echo: “My only focus is to put as many points on the board as I can for Bournemouth and to make sure that the lads are always in a good place.”

He added: “I have no interest in discussing other jobs. I’m doing a job at the moment that I love.

"I’m really grateful to Bournemouth for allowing me so long in charge of this team. I’ve thoroughly enjoyed it."

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