CHERRIES boss Eddie Howe believes speculation surrounding Callum Wilson will increase, providing the striker maintains his impressive form.

Wilson, who was named yesterday in the England under-21 squad, has already been linked with Premier League clubs Chelsea and Aston Villa.

The 23-year-old has taken the Championship by storm this season, hitting 19 goals and turning in a series of eye-catching displays to help propel Cherries into the thick of the promotion race.

Wilson, who made his debut for the under-21s as a substitute against France in November, has retained his place for friendlies against Czech Republic and Germany later this month.

Signed by Howe from Coventry in a deal thought to be worth more than £2million to the Sky Blues, Wilson is just nine months into a four-year contract with Cherries.

Howe told the Daily Echo: “I don’t think the Chelsea speculation affected Callum at all. It goes with the territory when you score goals and are successful, especially at a young age which he is.

“He is going to have to get used to it because I don’t think it will stop if he continues performing as he has.

“I have no doubt that if he maintains his form, he will be linked with other clubs. If the team continues its form, we will have that with a lot of our players due to the way they have performed this season. It is a natural progression for the team, particularly with the age of the squad

“Callum is level-headed and very focused on short-term objectives so we are fortunate that he is built that way.

“There is nothing negative for me if our players are being linked with other clubs because it means they are performing well. I would much rather have it that way than nobody wanting your squad because that is not a good recipe for success.

“But, currently, we are not in a position where we have to sell anybody and, hopefully, that will stay the same.”

Wilson will come face to face with two under-21 team-mates when Cherries host Middlesbrough tomorrow with Ben Gibson and on-loan Chelsea striker Patrick Bamford also in the squad.

“I am delighted,” said Wilson. “It is nice to get recognition for your club form and, hopefully, I can get some more minutes under my belt.”

Asked about transfer speculation, he said: “I don’t really read too much into it. I tend to just keep my feet on the ground and don’t listen to rumours.

“You have to concentrate on your club football and, if people are giving you recognition in the papers then it is always nice.

“I have only just signed and it feels like I’ve been here five minutes. My family are here now, everything is going well and I’ve got no plans to leave any time soon.”