FULL-BACK Jack Stacey admitted he would like to see Joshua King remain at Cherries and help the club return to the Premier League.

Striker King has been linked with moves away from the club for the past 12 months, with Cherries rejecting offers from the likes of Manchester United, Torino and West Ham for his services.

Manager Jason Tindall confirmed to the Daily Echo the Norwegian forward did not intend to sign a new contract at Vitality Stadium – with just six months remaining on his current deal.

West Bromwich Albion, Everton, Aston Villa and West Ham have all been linked with the forward in this transfer window.

Asked how vital it would be to keep King at the club this season, Stacey said: “We want to keep all our players in the squad for as long as possible.

“It’s not something I know much about – but personally I’d love for him to stay for the season and help us get promoted to the Premier League.

“He’s had a season almost stop and start. He’s had injuries, he then had two weeks off when he went away for the international break and came back with the coronavirus.

“He has been working just as hard in training as he ever has but it’s sort of things outside of his control that have stopped his season a little bit.

“But we know the quality he has.

“I haven’t seen any difference in his motivation or anything. As long has he carries on that I think everyone would love to keep him for the season.”

Stacey revealed how he had worked closely with King, having previously gone through injury rehabilitation alongside one another.

“Last year we went through our injury process together when I had a hamstring injury,” said the former Reading youngster.

“We’ve never been for a pint together! But we are team-mates so we get along.

“He’s a Premier League player, a Premier League quality player but we have a lot of them in the squad anyway.

“I think no matter what his intentions are, as long as he shows at the training ground then no-one can complain.”