BOSS Eddie Howe hinted at a January loan move for defender Tyrone Mings.

The 25-year-old has been the subject of reported interest from the likes of Aston Villa, West Bromwich Albion, Nottingham Forest and Derby County in recent weeks.

Mings has played just 141 minutes of Premier League football this season, having seen his opportunities limited behind Steve Cook and Nathan Ake.

The £12million arrival of Chris Mepham has also increased competition in the heart of Cherries’ defence.

Plagued by injury since his £8million arrival from Ipswich Town three and a half years ago, the former Chippenham star has made just 23 first-team appearances for Howe’s men.

Asked whether the defender could be heading out on loan, Howe said: “We will wait and see but that's a possible.

"Tyrone has been dreadfully unlucky since he joined the club.

"He's a talented player and is desperate to play."

Meanwhile, Cherries have been linked with a move for Chelsea midfielder Danny Drinkwater.

The England international is yet to feature for the Blues in the Premier League under boss Maurizio Sarri, who tomorrow brings his side to Vitality Stadium (7.45pm).

Addressing that speculation, Howe replied: “We hope the majority of our business is done, if not all of it.

"We are very pleased with the business we have done this window, but there's one game to go so you can never say with any certainty what's going to happen.

"I learned a long time ago never to give clear-cut answers in this situation because you could have to act in the last few hours."

Cherries have lost all three of their top-flight fixtures at home against Chelsea since making the step up to the top flight.

The Dorset club have also suffered league and cup defeats at Stamford Bridge this season.

“We have had some great games with Chelsea home and away,” said Howe.

“This season, the two away games had been so tight.

“We have been unfortunate to lose both games but I think they have been really competitive.

“Our home record against Chelsea has not been great, we’d love to change that in this match but we know how difficult it will be with the quality they have and the manager they have as well.

“It will be a big challenge for us but we have to start getting results against the top six, that’s very much in our mind and we want to change our fortunes in that respect.”