Bournemouth defender Steve Cook is hopeful that "great lad" and "great player" Jack Wilshere will extend his stay on the south coast beyond the end of the 2016-17 campaign.

Wilshere surprisingly joined the Cherries on loan from Arsenal in the summer transfer window and has impressed at the Vitality Stadium this season, making 12 league appearances for the club.

As it stands, the England midfielder will return to his parent side at the end of the season, but Cook wants Wilshere to stay at Bournemouth and help Eddie Howe's outfit 'reach the next level'.

"Obviously he wanted to challenge himself and play regular football, and he saw that [opportunity] here," Cook told Sky Sports News. "He's a great lad and a great player to have in our team and around in training.

"He can help take Bournemouth to the next level, and hopefully if we can keep him fit and keep him enjoying his football, it would be nice to have him here for longer than this year."

Bournemouth, who are currently 10th in the Premier League table, will welcome rivals Southampton on Sunday afternoon.