JOSHUA King admits he hoped to have left Cherries over the summer, adding: "It's been the worst two months of my life."

King has been heavily linked with an exit from the club during the transfer window, with Torino and West Ham United both having bids rejected.

The striker, whose contract expires in June 2021, had also been subject of interest from his former club Manchester United in January, but Cherries turned down their approach on deadline day.

Clubs in England have until 5pm tomorrow to complete deals before the transfer window closes until January.

In quotes translated from an interview with Norwegian outlet TV2, King said: "It hasn't been the easiest months for me mentally.

"There is a lot of writing, a lot of things. I don't want to comment too much now. But I hope to return, the transfer window is still open, so we'll see. I want to start playing again and get in good shape, that's the most important thing."

Due to injury and a migraine, King has featured just once for Cherries so far this season - as a substitute in the victory over Norwich.

"A lot of people judge what they see in 90 minutes, but don't know what's going on behind the scenes," said King.

"Football is fresh. You're going to find out one day, I guarantee that, but I can't comment as much now as I am where I am.

"It's been tough, but I don't want anyone to feel sorry for me. This is what I signed when I started playing football, but I wish things were sorted out before it was actually sorted out."

He continued: "Honestly, I don't know what's going to happen. There's a lot that's happened. I could have written a book about what's happened the last two months and it had definitely become a bestseller.

"If I'm to be honest, it's been the two worst months of my life. But I can't give a reason."

Bournemouth Echo:

Cherries boss Jason Tindall, who replaced Eddie Howe at the helm in August, has always insisted he wanted King to remain at the club.

But King says he believed he would be let go after the club turned down the chance of his dream return to Man Utd earlier this year.

"If it had been up to me, I would have already signed for a club and started the season, played four games and been in top form," said the 28-year-old.

"I think the club would rather me be there, but as I said, I felt like I had done my part and been loyal to the club for many years.

"We had an agreement between us after what happened in January."

Despite the transfer speculation, King says his main aim is to get back to top form.

"The only thing is that I miss training well and playing football at the highest level. And of course to get back in good shape," he said.

"I'm my own biggest critic.

"If you'd asked me two months ago if I thought I'd be in Bournemouth after what I've been promised, I'd have answered 110 per cent no.

"But after everything that's happened in the last two months, with things that come eventually, I have to grit my teeth together, work hard and do what I can.

"It's a bit special to be a footballer who has nine months left on his contract. We'll see if I leave now in January or this summer."

Norway boss Lars Lagerback added: "I really hope that it works out now and that he can get started. He's not in a good situation.

"I think he made good jumps in the earlier matches, but it seems in certain situations he's a little rusty."