DOMINIC Solanke insists the squad at Cherries are “very happy” Lloyd Kelly remains at the club, labelling him “a great professional”.

Defender Kelly, into the last year of his contract, was subject to late transfer window interest from Tottenham Hotspur, Cherries rejecting a £20million bid.

The 24-year-old was subsequently not in the squad for last weekend’s Premier League trip to Brentford, with boss Andoni Iraola confirming that was due to deadline day speculation.

Asked for his take on the situation with Kelly and how transfer talk can affect a player, Solanke said: “I think this stuff happens in football.

“Stuff can change in seconds really.

“But knowing Lloyd, he’s a great professional, a great player and a great guy.

“I don’t know the ins and outs, but we’ll be very happy to have him for however long he ends up staying.”

Kelly captained Cherries to promotion from the Championship under Scott Parker in the 2021-22 campaign, but was stripped of the armband and replaced by Neto when Gary O’Neil became boss during last season.

The £13million signing from Bristol City has made 119 appearances for Cherries, including three this season.