EDDIE Howe says Jermain Defoe’s arrival has upped the ante for his strikers – but insists the England international will also have to raise his game due to the fierce competition.

Defoe – the seventh highest goalscorer in Premier League history – completed a free transfer move from Sunderland last week, his signing significantly bolstering Howe’s options.

He joins at Vitality Stadium an array of firepower which includes last season’s top marksman Joshua King, whose exploits have apparently attracted the interest of both Tottenham and Everton.

However, while reports suggest the Norwegian could fetch £30million, Howe confirmed to the Daily Echo that no bids had been received, having always maintained the club is under no pressure to sell.

Howe’s summer additions – Defoe, £20m record signing Nathan Ake and £10m goalkeeper Asmir Begovic – would indicate he is determined to see Cherries continue their upward spiral.

Defoe is due to be unveiled to the media tomorrow before linking up with Howe’s squad on Friday for the start of their pre-season training camp in Marbella.

In another exclusive interview with the Daily Echo, Howe was asked what Defoe could bring to his team of strikers: “Hopefully, they will look at Jermain as many different things.

“They can look at him as a role model and someone to inspire them. They can look at certain things he does and add them to their game. I believe everyone can learn from one another.

“They will look at him as a team-mate and as a support – and someone who can bring something different to the team dynamic.

“He will provide competition. Everyone, including Jermain, will have to raise their levels due to the strong competition for places we have in that position.

“There are lots of different things which are all positives for our strikers and will hopefully inspire them all to greater performances individually.

“Jermain brings many things. His finishing is of the highest quality and his movement is excellent. I have always felt that since the very first time I saw him train when he was here on loan.”

Defoe, who played alongside Howe during a fruitful loan spell in 2000-01, penned a three-year contract with Cherries.

The 34-year-old netted 15 times for Sunderland last season, bringing his total goal tally in the Premier League to 158 in 468 games.

Howe added: “First and foremost, you have to judge the player, not the age. You always judge players where they are currently and then you have to make a call on lots of other things.

“But with Jermain, we saw him a lot last season and played against him twice. In both games, he did very well against us so that was the biggest indicator for me.

“If you looked at how he played against our centre-halves, I thought he did really well.

“You also look at the attitude of the player, how he conducts himself and lives his life. Jermain is the ultimate professional in terms of what he eats and how he looks after his body.

“He has always looked after himself to the best of his ability. He has done that throughout his career and has reaped the benefits.”