Bournemouth boss Eddie Howe admits winger Ryan Fraser is "keeping his options open".

Fraser's existing deal expires at the end of the season and he has been linked with a free transfer to Premier League leaders Liverpool.

"In terms of his contract, that's obviously for him to decide what he wants to do with his future," Howe said.

"We would love him to stay and commit to us but, if not, we need to get the best out of him between now and the end of the season.

"We've had conversations with Ryan to try and persuade him to stay but, at the moment, he's keeping his options open."

Fraser was recently quoted as saying it was difficult to see close friends, such as Marc Pugh, leave the club, but manager Howe dismissed suggestions about loneliness.

"I think those comments were probably taken slightly out of context. I think people jump on things like this," said Howe.

"He's got some really good friends in the squad, as he mentioned in the interview, Dan Gosling, Nathan Ake, he's very close with those guys, always socialising in and around them so I think it's a story that isn't entirely accurate.

"I think Ryan's just very honest when he speaks and probably he's given the impression that he's lonely but I can guarantee you he's not."