Bournemouth to appoint Gary O'Neil as permanent manager after Marcelo Bielsa talks break down

Bournemouth are set to confirm the appointment of Gary O'Neil as their permanent manager in the next 48 hours.

O’Neil will be rewarded for his impressive interim spell as caretaker by being named as manager, after talks with former Leeds head coach Marcelo Bielsa stalled.

Bournemouth are also prepared to make significant funds available for the January transfer window as they back the former midfielder.

The 39-year-old stepped up after the dismissal of Scott Parker in August and guided Bournemouth to 14th place before the World Cup break.

Bournemouth secured two successive victories over Everton before the season pause, ending a run of four defeats in a row.

Bielsa did hold talks with the club over a potential return to the Premier League, but Bournemouth are now poised to announce O'Neil's appointment by the weekend.

With American businessman Bill Foley also progressing with his takeover bid, O’Neil is targeting at least four new signings in the January window.

Parker clashed frequently with the club’s board over a perceived lack of backing, but O’Neil will be given money to strengthen his squad.

After the 3-0 win over Everton in the Premier League, O'Neil said: “I think 13 [points] from 11 is a good total.

"As always, I wish it could have been more, especially with some of the situations we put ourselves in.

“A big cup win and 13 points from 11 Premier League games for a newly-promoted side is good going. We scored a lot of goals as well."