Bournemouth boss Eddie Howe has played down suggestions that Benik Afobe could be allowed to leave the Vitality Stadium during the January transfer window.

Afobe, 24, has been linked with both West Bromwich Albion and former club Wolverhampton Wanderers over the last week after starting just two of Bournemouth's first eight games of the 2017-18 Premier League campaign.

Howe, however, has claimed that Afobe "is a huge part" of the club's plans, rejecting suggestions that the powerful forward could be available for transfer at the start of 2018.

"I don't know how many appearances Benik has this season but he has been involved in most games. He is a huge part of our plans," Howe told the Bournemouth Echo.

"You always want your players to show the attitude that they want to achieve and I've got no problem with any player saying they want to play in any game."

Afobe has appeared in six of Bournemouth's eight Premier League games this season, but is yet to find the back of the net.