EDDIE Howe stressed he was “absolutely committed” to his role with Cherries amid speculation linking him with Premier League big guns Tottenham.

The Daily Mail this week claimed the Cherries boss had been identified as the “number one target” for Spurs, should they not manage to keep hold of manager Mauricio Pochettino.

Sky Sports pundit Jamie Redknapp described as “the perfect fit for Tottenham” 41-year-old Howe if Argentine Pochettino was to exit the north London club.

But Howe, whose side tomorrow host Brighton in the Premier League (3pm), insisted he was fully devoted to his role at Vitality Stadium.

He said: “Tottenham have an outstanding manager who is doing an unbelievable job. I am not going to comment on anything to do with a club that has a manager, it’s disrespectful.

“What I try to do is just focus on the job that I am doing and give it the best of my ability every single day.

“It’s absolutely foolish of me to think about anything other than this club. I am absolutely committed 100 per cent to every minute here.

“I always manage in that I am going to be here for the next 100 years in my long-term thinking. I am always thinking what’s best for the club in every decision I make.

“Of course, you have games to win and we try to do that and give the players the best preparation that we can.”

Quizzed on the links and praise he has received, the Cherries boss added: “I don’t pay it any attention whatsoever. I don’t give it any credibility.

“I don’t waste my time, seeking it, looking at it or thinking about it. It has absolutely no relevance to me.

“What is happening is I am working as hard as I can for AFC Bournemouth.

“I have always talked historically about my players and wanting them linked with other clubs because it means they are performing well.

“I have never had an issue with it myself either, because it means we are winning games and doing the job we are paid to do.

“From my perspective, all I can do is focus on the next training session, the next match and try to be the best me that I can be.

“I am as committed as I’ve always been to the job. Every day trying to make the team better, make the club grow and am focussed on our next match.”

Victory over the Seagulls could take Cherries back into the top half of the Premier League.

“I think it’s a really big game for us,” added Howe.

“We are excited by the challenge and are boosted by our performance (at Chelsea) in midweek – albeit in defeat.

“We are still in a very good position to move forward into a very congested festive period but this game will be important.

“We want the supporters and everyone connected with the club really behind the team and backing us in this game.”