Eddie Howe: 'Jermain Defoe will not leave Bournemouth'

Bournemouth manager Eddie Howe has stated that Jermain Defoe will not be leaving the Cherries this summer.

Defoe has only featured as a substitute in one of Bournemouth's first three fixtures in the Premier League, and it has led to suggestions that the 35-year-old may be allowed to go out on loan.

Nottingham Forest have been credited with an interest in the former England international, but Howe has ruled out the possibility of an exit in the coming days.

The Cherries boss is quoted by Sky Sports News as saying: "I'm not going to let anyone go, our squad is our squad. We're not huge on numbers, and we also have a couple of injuries at the moment.

"Jermain's a valued member of our squad, we only carry four strikers so there's absolutely no chance of him going anywhere."

Defoe has made 14 starts and 14 substitute appearances since linking up with the south coast club last summer.