Everton-linked managerial target Marcelo Bielsa was close to becoming Bournemouth boss this season but talks fell through because he was "too expensive".
It has been said that the former Leeds United manager was on the verge of taking over the Cherries until Gary O'Neil was made their permanent head coach in November.
Bielsa has emerged as a frontrunner to succeed Frank Lampard at Everton, according to reports, after the former Chelsea midfielder was sacked.
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Lampard departs Goodison Park with the Blues off the foot of the Premier League table on goal difference but level on points with basement boys Southampton.
Bielsa has been out of work since he was sacked by Leeds, a club where he was and is still revered by supporters, in February following a dreadful run of form. The ex-Chile and Argentina manager had led the Whites back to the Premier League after a 16-year absence.
The likes of Pep Guardiola and Jurgen Klopp have spoken glowingly about the 67-year and, according to journalist Graeme Bailey, he could have returned to the Premier League, to take on the likes of the Manchester City and Liverpool managers once again, with Bournemouth.
Bailey told TEAMtalk in November: "I am told that Roberto De Zerbi, who went to Brighton, was someone they did like the look of, and although having talks with numerous people, the only other boss they approached was Marcelo Bielsa.
"They were intrigued by Bielsa, but bringing him in is not a cheap process. He has a big backroom staff and although he was keen – no doubt it was a huge risk.
"In the end, Gary O’Neil just showed too much for them not to go for him."
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