CRYSTAL Palace target Eddie Howe will take charge of Cherries today – with a decision on his potential move to Selhurst Park understood to be set for early next week.

The sought after Cherries manager last night continued to be heavily linked with a switch to the Championship strugglers.

Although neither chairman Eddie Mitchell nor Howe has confirmed the approach, the chairman is believed to have given the Eagles permission to speak to the 33-year-old.

Daily Echo sources claim Howe met with Palace officials on Thursday to discuss the manager’s position, made vacant by the departure of George Burley.

The Cherries chief was at Dean Court for training yesterday as his high-flying side prepared to host League One rivals Plymouth Argyle this afternoon (3pm).

But news on whether he will remain in charge of Cherries beyond his 99th game as manager, or be offered a move up the ladder by Palace, could come as early as Monday.

While remaining tight-lipped on potential candidates, Eagles chairman Steve Parish revealed they were hoping to make an appointment as soon as possible, with sources in south London pointing to an announcement after the weekend.

Howe was last night odds-on for the job, with out-of-work Chris Hughton and Gareth Southgate also in the mix.

In quotes attributed to him in the Croydon Advertiser, Parish said: “We have contacted a club to speak to their manager but that’s as far as it has gone.”

When asked whether that person was Howe, he added: “I can’t comment on that.”

Quizzed on the situation on Thursday, Howe kept his cards close to his chest, saying: “It’s business as usual for everybody.

“We will be 100 per cent committed to Bournemouth, like we always have been, and that will never change while I’m here.”

It is not the first time Cherries’ bright young manager has attracted the interest of rival outfits. Howe has previously turned down Peterborough United and Southampton, while he has also been linked with clubs including Sheffield United in recent weeks.

Meanwhile, Cherries supporters are planning to let Howe know their feelings this afternoon when they are expected to launch an impassioned plea for him to stay at his boyhood club.

Fan of 20 years, Neil, 37, said he would be giving the Cherries boss a cheer today.

After buying his match tickets at Dean Court, the Christchurch-based fan told the Echo: “I think he will stay. He’s much loved by all the supporters.”