BOSS Eddie Howe insisted Harry Arter was still “valued greatly” by Cherries despite the midfielder eyeing a permanent switch to Cardiff City.

The 28-year-old joined the Bluebirds on a season-long loan from Cherries in the summer.

Arter made clear his intentions to sign permanently for Neil Warnock’s side earlier this week, should they remain in the Premier League.

The Republic of Ireland international said: “I've said to my family already the dream season would be Cardiff to stay up, the manager to stay on and then hopefully I can sign because I've loved every minute of being here.

"Fingers crossed, it stays this good for me and we can sit down after the 38th game with us having stayed up and looking to stay here permanently."

Asked for his thoughts on Arter’s comments ahead of tomorrow’s trip to Manchester City (3pm), Howe said: “It’s a very difficult one to comment on from my perspective.

“Harry’s at Cardiff for the season, he no doubt feels a Cardiff player and has had to ingrain himself into their way of doing things for this season.

“We value him greatly from our side – let’s see what happens at the end of the season.”

Sidcup-born Arter signed a four-year contract at Vitality Stadium in July 2017.