EDDIE Howe insisted there has been “no update” on the future of goalkeeper Asmir Begovic and described him as “a valued member of the squad”.

The 32-year-old stopper had been “desperate” to leave Cherries, according to a report in The Sun earlier this month.

Begovic has not featured for the Dorset club since April, having lost his starting spot to the likes of Artur Boruc and Mark Travers last season.

Aaron Ramsdale has been picked in goal for Cherries’ opening two Premier League fixtures this time round – with Begovic yet to feature in the matchday squad.

The former Chelsea, Portsmouth and Stoke keeper could still exit Cherries with the transfer window across Europe open until September 2.

Asked about Begovic’s future ahead of tomorrow’s clash with Manchester City, manager Howe said: “There is no update. Asmir is a valued member of the squad. He is training well every day.

“I have had no issues with him at all. Unfortunately for me I have to pick a team and a squad and it’s a very difficult process when you’ve got good players.

“But Asmir’s been great.”

Begovic joined Cherries from Stamford Bridge for £10million in the summer of 2017. He has played 62 times in the top-flight for the club.

Quizzed on where it left him as a manager with an experienced goalkeeper not necessarily being part of his squad, Howe replied: “It leaves me like it would a player in any other position – I know the goalkeeping position is slightly different because there is only one that can play.

“But it leaves me having to manage the squad and manage players that aren’t in the team. It’s one of the hardest parts of the job.

“I think you ask any manager up and down the country, it’s the most difficult part and I think it’s the hardest part because everyone wants to play, everyone wants to progress their career but you have to pick a team and disappoint people.

“But Asmir will be part of our squad. The way he has trained and conducted himself has been of the highest level. “

Asked whether Begovic could still fight his way back into the first-team contention, should he not leave this summer, the boss replied: “Of course, without question.”