CHERRIES boss Eddie Howe reckons the Chinese Super League could become a rival for the English top flight – but not yet.

China's president Xi Jinping last year stated he wanted to transform the country into a "football superpower" and the Super League has attracted huge media attention following a string of big-money moves.

Former Chelsea star Oscar last month joined Shanghai SIPG for £52million while Shanghai Shenhua reportedly made Argentina international Carlos Tevez the world's best-paid player on a rumoured £615,000 a week.

In total, the Asian transfer record was shattered on four occasions in 2016 and, in January, Manchester United's Wayne Rooney was linked with a £1million-a-week switch to the Far East.

Earlier this month, the transfer record was broken again when Guangzhou Evergrande recruited frontman Jackson Martinez from Atletico Madrid for £31million.

Many pundits have speculated on the potential growth of the Super League in the coming seasons and Howe admitted clubs were "making noises" with their big spending.

Asked if the Chinese top flight could develop into a rival for the Premier League, he told the Daily Echo: "Who knows? Yes, maybe. It's certainly making noises in the transfer market and clubs have recruited some good players.

"The fees and the money involved will have a knock-on effect here in time. Whether that's happening now, I don't think so but in time, maybe.

"It could be competition for this league which I consider to be the best in the world.

"At the moment, the pull is very much to here because of the competition, the league, the history behind the fixtures, the supporters, the atmosphere – everything. The infrastructure we have in this country is amazing for football.

"In time, will other countries get to that standard? You just don't know."

Howe believes the increased interest surrounding the Super League should be welcomed by all involved in the English top flight, as it could result in improvements which cause the world's top stars to stay on these shores.

He added: "Any competition we have to look at as a good thing because it's a way that we can make sure we improve our product so everyone does still want to remain here.

"I think the way they will look at growing their league is to attract the names and build the profile that way. From their perspective, I imagine they hope everything else will fall into place on the back of that.

"It will be interesting to see what happens in the coming years."

Meanwhile, Howe feels Charlie Daniels is on the way back to his best following his return to action in the 2-0 defeat to Manchester City.

It was the 30-year-old's first start in more than three weeks due to a spell on the sidelines.

Howe added: "Charlie was good. You could still see he was struggling at times with the effect of his knee injury but he got through the game okay and the rest now will do him the world of good."