Bournemouth boss Eddie Howe admits Jack Simpson is likely to depart on-loan.

The Weymouth-raised centre-half has made just six first-team appearances for Cherries in all competitions this season, the most recent coming against Luton in the FA Cup third round.

Howe told the Daily Echo: “He is a player of huge potential and promise but is coming to an age where he probably feels he needs regular football. It's obviously got to be right for us and for him.

“He's got that rare composure on the ball. I remember one of the early performances he gave at Chelsea, as good a performance I've seen with the ball from a centre-half in a long, long time.

“He's got that ability to find passes under pressure. He seems to rise to the occasion, which is a great quality to have mentally.

“Physically he's good. He is six foot three, he can head the ball and is athletic. He does have everything – the only thing missing for Jack is the experience that a lot of the other players have.

“I back him to get there whether that's with us, in terms in getting in our team, or maybe looking out on loan."