Eddie Howe has confirmed that Bournemouth youngster Jack Simpson will not be leaving for Rangers.

There were suggestions the 21-year-old defender could go out on loan this season, with Steven Gerrard's Rangers very interested.

But Howe rates the youngster very highly and sees him as a key player for the present and future.

Howe told the Daily Echo: "I think it was well documented Jack had a bit of interest, which we declined. We want to keep Jack with us.

"He is too important for us to be loaning out. I think they should be really nice words for him because we see him as a valuable member of our squad.

"He has an important part to play in the future of this football club. I think he could be one of the best young talents we have ever brought through here.

"Every player in our squad has to be ready to play in the Premier League and Jack would fall in that bracket.