Bournemouth linked with shock move for Dimitar Berbatov as they plan for Premier League life

Eddie Howe knows he needs more firepower in his side if they are to avoid relegation straight back to the Championship

Dimitar Berbatov pictured after joining Monaco on loan (GETTY IMAGES)

Eddie Howe is well-known as one of the most level-headed young managers in the British game.

But every Premier League team needs a smattering of top-class attacking talent - and Howe's newly-promoted Bournemouth are no different.

Reports suggest Howe is considering a shock move for the Monaco and former Manchester United striker Dimitar Berbatov.

The 34-year-old could be unsettled at the Ligue 1 club, who will only be allowed a 22-man squad next season after they were charged with breaching Uefa financial rules.

The former Tottenham and Bayer Leverkusen striker would be available on a free transfer.

However, his wages could be a problem - Berbatov would demand around £100,000 a week, and Howe, despite Bournemouth's relative wealth for the Championship, operates on a strict budget.

Still, the pragmatic Howe knows he needs goals if Bournemouth are to have any chance of staying up.

And with the Premier League's massive new TV deal arriving in just over a year's time, any outlay on Berbatov could easily be recouped and then some by avoiding relegation.