FORMER Cherries star John Williams predicted Eddie Howe would be tested over his future and insisted: "If it's not this time, it will be another time."

The Telegraph reported on Saturday that Howe and Sevilla manager Unai Emery were being considered to replace Southampton boss Ronald Koeman, who is thought to have agreed to join Everton.

The broadsheet stated Howe had "long been admired by Southampton" and added that the Saints hierarchy felt the Cherries boss "could work within their recruitment structure".

Howe has been linked with a number of top-flight clubs during his second spell in charge in Dorset, including Chelsea and Everton, but has repeatedly affirmed his commitment to Cherries.

Cult hero Williams feels Howe, who is widely regarded as one of the English game's brightest managerial prospects, will have a big decision to make in the future.

Williams told the Daily Echo: "There is nobody more loyal than Eddie but he will be tested and if it's not this time, it will be another time. That is certain.

"The only people that remain loyal to a football club for their lifetime are the fans. There are times when jobs come along and you think, 'that might make somebody sit up and take notice'.

"At some point he will be pushed really hard into making a really tough decision. I know from talking to people all round the country just how well thought of his is and I'm sure the England set-up will be mentioned again in future.

"There were rumours he was offered the Southampton job last time so it's not a big surprise they have been linked with him.

"I'm sure there are some smart people at Southampton and if for whatever reason Eddie did get to chat with him, they will put him in a real corner, because if they want him they will want him badly.

"Every club is looking for a quality manager so it's no surprise that clubs look at our man. Fingers crossed it goes our way and we keep Eddie."

Williams has not been surprised to see Howe's name regularly crop up when jobs in the English top flight have become available.

He added: "Every time a Premier League job comes up, Eddie is linked with it because he is one of the top managers in the division on limited resources.

"He's had a few bob to spend recently which he has bought wisely with, but mostly the squad is a mixture of lads who have come through the divisions with him.

"There is no doubt in my mind that if we had not had the unfortunate injuries we had, we could have had six more points and that would have put us 11th and made it a fairly comfortable season.

"Nobody else has done the job that Eddie has and the fans will be eternally thankful for the seasons the club has had."