GOALKEEPER Asmir Begovic stressed the importance of Cherries keeping their top stars this summer – amid speculation linking him with a move to mainland Europe.

Reports in the national media claimed Napoli and Fenerbahce were keen on signing the stopper.

The Daily Star reported both clubs were “waiting to make firm offers” for the 31-year-old, who joined Cherries in a £10million deal from Chelsea last summer.

However, the Daily Echo understands no contact has been made by either of the overseas clubs and Cherries are not expecting Begovic to leave.

The goalkeeper told the Daily Echo: “We want to keep our best players. A lot of us are committed to the cause here and believe in what the manager does and what the club wants to do.

“Hopefully, (departures) won’t be an issue but, at the same time, I am sure there will be interest in a few players.

“But we want to keep our quality players together, keep the spirit going and, hopefully, add to that as best as we can.”

The Bosnia & Herzegovina international was part of a trio of big-name recruits at Vitality Stadium last summer when he arrived alongside Jermain Defoe and Nathan Ake.

He returned to the Dorset club having featured nine times while on loan from Portsmouth during the 2007-08 League One campaign.

Capped 61 times by his country, Begovic was ever-present for Cherries in the Premier League last season. He even played through the pain barrier after suffering a knee injury in training, his solid displays helping the club secure top flight status for a third straight campaign with a 12th-place finish.

The former Stoke City stopper has made 228 Premier League appearances during his career, recording 56 shutouts.

Cherries are yet to make a signing this summer, with Benik Afobe and Max Gradel the only major departures.

They have until August 9 to strengthen their squad, with manager Eddie Howe insisting his policy would be “quality over quantity”.

Asked about recruitment to ensure progress, Begovic added: “We will leave that for the people in charge – the manager and the recruitment staff.

"But we will grow as a club and I am sure bigger players will keep coming in.”

Meanwhile, The Sun’s claims that Newcastle United and Cherries have “opened discussions” over a potential swap deal for Matt Ritchie and Joshua King are understood to be wide of the mark.

Ritchie joined Newcastle from Cherries for £12million in 2016.