EDDIE Howe insists “outstanding” Callum Wilson has not been affected by speculation linking him with a move away from Vitality Stadium – and that the striker was left out of Cherries’ team at Chelsea purely to keep him fresh.

Newcastle, West Ham and Everton are all reported to have an interest in Wilson, who has scored five times this season.

The 24-year-old was named among Cherries’ substitutes for the second time in three games at Stamford Bridge on Boxing Day, and when Howe withdrew forward Joshua King after half-time he opted to send on Benik Afobe in his place.

Howe told the Daily Echo: “Management of game time at this time of year is crucial. We love Callum, I think he’s an outstanding player.

“He’s done well for us this season but we need to make sure every player is fresh when they play.

“He’s been in the game long enough (not to be bothered by transfer rumours) and he’s had speculation from the minute he signed here and started to score goals straightaway.

“He’s been linked with clubs throughout that period. It’s nothing new for him or for us.

“We’re delighted with him and I’m sure he’s happy here too.”

If Wilson features at Swansea tomorrow he will be seeking to hit the target from open play for the first time since his strike in the 6-1 rout of Hull on October 15.

Howe admits the team he picks in South Wales will be influenced by a crowded schedule, which sees Cherries back in action five days after their game at Chelsea and three days before a home clash with Arsenal.

He said: “The management of these games we have coming up will be important, to ensure players step on to the pitch fresh, able to do themselves justice and play to the best of their abilities. I have to try to manage that well.”

Chelsea loanee Nathan Ake is likely to return to the line-up after missing the encounter with his parent club.

But asked whether his starting X1 would contain many changes from the team he sent out to face the Premier League leaders Howe replied: “Who knows?”