SIMON Francis has backed Joshua King to net "20 to 25 goals in the Championship", if he stays at Cherries this season.

West Ham United and Torino have both have bids turned down for the striker in this window, with clubs in England having up until 5pm on Friday to complete any transfers.

The Hammers are reportedly still interested in the Norway international, but have yet to return with an improved offer after their £13million bid was rejected over the weekend.

King, whose contract at Cherries expires next summer, has netted 50 goals in 171 appearances since joining from Blackburn Rovers in 2015.

"Josh King is a Premier League player, with that quality I know that for a fact having seen it first hand," former Cherries skipper Francis told Sky Sports.

"But if the window closes and he's a Championship player, I'd be really excited because I know he could go and get 20 to 25 goals in the Championship and potentially put himself in a bigger shop window to then have his pick of Premier League clubs.

"With only a few days left and with West Ham making a bid for Josh, but not meeting our valuation then it's still up in the air.

"As a fan and still working at the football club I'd love to see him stay, but it's hard to stand in the way of players who want to play at the top level and Josh King certainly does."