EDDIE Howe insisted rising star David Brooks’s new contract had not been struck to fend off other clubs and said: “That’s not even in my mind."

Brooks last week penned a new long-term contract at Vitality Stadium, just eight months after signing for an initial £10million from Championship Sheffield United.

The Wales international has dazzled this season with six goals and four assists in 24 Premier League appearances.

The Sun last month reported Tottenham had been “preparing a £50million summer bid” for the 21-year old, while also claiming Manchester United “could make their own summer bid”.

But Howe said the new deal for the Warrington-born star had been a “reward” rather than to thwart interest from elsewhere.

Asked whether he was confident Brooks’s new contract would fend off other clubs, should they try to sign him, Howe replied: “That’s not even in my mind.

“The contract was to reward David and for him to kick on now and show his very best for Bournemouth for the next few years.

“The main thing for David is to keep his feet firmly on the floor, keep showing the attitude that he has, come in every day, improve and work on all aspects of his game.

“If he does those things over a sustained period of time, he will go on to have the career that he wants.”

Howe added: “There are rumours about a lot of our players. For me, it was about putting him in line with some of the other players that he deserved to be (in line with).

“He has come in with a lot of potential but a lot to prove.

“In the early stages of the season I thought he was absolutely fantastic. He has developed and improved as the season has gone on and it’s a reward for all those performances.

“Now he sees his future here for the long term, he can concentrate on his football and continue that path.”

Cherries have been victorious in every game during which Brooks has scored this season – with triumphs against Crystal Palace, Watford, Fulham, Brighton and Chelsea.

Howe said: “When you sign a young player you hope they have the attributes to do well in your team but also the mentality to go with it.

“That’s a crucial mix and David has shown he’s got those two things.

“He has never got too high with the success he’s had. He has kept his feet on the floor and that’s going to be crucial for him.”

Alongside Chris Mepham, Brooks was today named in the Wales squad for the friendly against Trinidad and Tobago and the Euro 2020 qualifier against Slovakia.

Ryan Fraser was included in the Scotland squad for Euro 2020 qualifiers against Kazakhstan and San Marino.