ANDONI Iraola admits it is becoming “less likely” Lloyd Kelly will renew his Cherries contract, as the season end draws nearer.

Kelly’s current deal expires at the end of June and while the club are keen for him to extend his stay, the Bristolian is yet to commit his future.

Reports last week suggested the 25-year-old had rejected a contract offer from Cherries and is set to leave in the summer on a free transfer, with Newcastle United at the front of the queue to sign him.

Iraola has previously expressed his hope Kelly will remain at the club.

Asked if all hope has now gone of the defender signing a new deal, Iraola told the Daily Echo: “Obviously every week I think it becomes more difficult.

“You have the hopes that he continues with us, but you have been part of the game for a lot of years and you know every week that passes, probably it becomes less likely that he renews.

“But right now, my main focus is that he continues focused on the games.

“He played really well the other day. That’s what we are trying to do with him.”

Having recovered from a hip issue, Kelly has been sharing left-back duties with Milos Kerkez in recent weeks.

Asked if he has spoken with Kelly about his contract situation and if that comes into his thinking at all when picking his team, Iraola said: “No, normally I don’t speak with the players.

“It is not my job, talking about their contractual situations. I don’t know how much they earn, I don’t know these kind of things.

“It’s not my department let’s say.”