BOSS Scott Parker insisted Philip Billing had been “first-class” since his arrival at Cherries but admitted “it’s a conversation to be had” about the midfielder’s future.

The Danish star has been linked with a move to promoted Norwich City this summer.

According to the Eastern Daily Press, Billing has been “keen” on a summer move but he has been pictured back in training working with new head coach Parker during pre-season.

Billing first arrived at Vitality Stadium from Huddersfield Town in the summer of 2019, signing for £15million.

He was part of the Cherries side which got relegated from the top-flight in 2020, before flourishing in a more advanced role under Jonathan Woodgate as the club secured a sixth-place finish in the Championship last season.

Asked whether Billing was someone he definitely wanted to keep, or a conversation that needed to be had, Parker replied: “I think it’s a conversation to be had.

“Look, I have been nothing but impressed with Phil – a player I have admired for some time when he was at Huddersfield.

“A fantastic player really. One that I love the thought of working with and feel there is still loads of improvement to come from him.

“But I get as well, he’s got big quality really – so I think we will have to see how that one pans out.

“While Phil has been first-class since I have come in here in this short space of time. He’s given me no inkling that that changes.

“But I think we all understand the situation we are in and understand the quality of player that we have on our hands here.

“When you have someone of that quality, of that ilk, you are always vulnerable to a bigger club coming.”

Billing is not the only player linked with a move away from Cherries this summer.

Dutchman Arnaut Danjuma has been reported as a potential option for Premier League clubs, as well as across Europe.

Asked whether he was confident of building a squad around the team he had at present, the Cherries boss replied: “I am confident I can build a squad. I wouldn’t want any player here that didn’t want to be here.

“Of course, I also understand big quality players, players that other football clubs are looking at and may want to take – I get that.

“The most important thing is for me to have people here who want to be here, people here that want to improve and get better and obviously be successful from what we want to do this year really.”

Parker has already insisted Cherries are still looking to add to their squad this summer.

The Dorset club have already added attacking midfielder Emiliano Marcondes on a free transfer, following the expiration of his contract from Brentford.