CHERRIES manager Eddie Howe says a decision on Matt Tubbs’s next career move rests with the player himself.

Tubbs is currently enjoying a fruitful loan spell at AFC Wimbledon and has netted 15 goals for the League Two outfit this season.

His existing deal is due to expire on May 3, although Cherries could recall him during the transfer window should Tubbs wish to move elsewhere.

A host of clubs are tracking the free-scoring 30-year-old striker with AFC Wimbledon, Portsmouth and Bristol Rovers among them.

Howe has said Cherries would not stand in Tubbs’s way should he agree a permanent deal – which is looking increasingly likely due to the mounting interest.

Tubbs, who has also served Crawley and Rotherham on loan during his time at Dean Court, is out of contract with Cherries at the end of the season.

Howe told the Daily Echo: “Matt has done well at AFC Wimbledon this season and has scored goals for them.

“He is available and really it will be up to Matt to decide what the next step in his career is. Whether that is a permanent move at this stage, we will have to wait and see.”

Verwood-raised Tubbs, who was on the books at Dean Court as a youngster, rejoined Cherries from Crawley for a sizeable fee in January 2012.

Tubbs netted six times in 31 appearances during Cherries’ League One promotion season but has not featured for the club since starting a 3-1 home win over Notts County in April 2013.