EDDIE Howe has warned his players to take no notice of what is written about them and “concentrate on their day-to-day job”.

Cherries striker Callum Wilson hit the headlines this week when he was linked with a move to Newcastle United next summer.

And speculation surrounding prospective incomings and outgoings at Vitality Stadium will only gain legs with the January transfer window opening for business in five weeks.

Boss Howe dismissed the Wilson speculation as irrelevant and insisted he did not expect the player to be distracted by talk of interest from elsewhere.

Howe told the Daily Echo: “It’s got no relevance to us. Not to the football club or to Callum. There’s no substance to the story.

“The only time that will influence him is if he believes it or reads it himself. And I would encourage my players to just concentrate on their day-to-day job.”

Howe last week admitted he was scouring the market to identify possible new-year signings. But at Arsenal tomorrow he will have to make do without his highest-profile recruit, with Jack Wilshere ineligible to feature.

Intriguingly, back in 2004, when loan players were still permitted to play against their employers, Gunners boss Arsene Wenger railed against the gentleman's agreements struck up by some clubs to prevent this from this happening.

Asked about the issue, with then-Arsenal player Jermaine Pennant set to turn out for Leeds against the club which held his signature, Wenger said: “It is not right morally that you can give a player out on loan but he cannot play against you.

"If a player signs somewhere he is entitled to play for that club. I cannot understand why he would be suspended to play against the team he comes from.

"It should not be allowed. It is legally and morally not defendable.”

Nevertheless, Howe is in agreement with the current legislation, although he admits Wilshere could have done without another lay-off following the recent international break.

“It’s unfortunate for Jack, I’m sure he’d have loved to have played another game,” said Howe.

“But I don’t think he should be allowed to play against his parent club. I think the rule is a good one and I think it should stay in place.

“We’re thankful to Arsenal for loaning Jack to us in the first place. Relations are good between the two clubs and, hopefully, they will see we’re doing right by Jack and he’s enjoying his experience here.”

Wilshere’s enforced absence means Howe must make at least one change to the side which beat Stoke last week.

The manager rates Andrew Surman as a 50-50 chance to return from the hamstring problem he sustained at Middlesbrough, with a late decision set to be made on the midfielder.

Howe is urging whoever comes into the team to grab their opportunity to shine.

“It will give us a chance to rejig the side,” he added. “But whoever comes in will be a very good player and I hope they take their chance.”