BOSS Eddie Howe described as “pointless” the transfer speculation surrounding Callum Wilson and Manchester United.

Cherries’ star frontman Wilson has been in electric form with four goals in his past five games, a record helping him retain his place in Gareth Southgate’s England squad.

The 27-year-old is reportedly "high among Manchester United's striker targets" for the January transfer window, according to Sky Sports.

Responding to the speculation ahead of Sunday's Premier League clash at Arsenal, Howe said: “You consider my thoughts going into this game is all about Arsenal.

“To hear transfer links and rumours at this stage when the window is shut and a long way from being open. For me, it’s pointless talking about it.

“I take with a pinch of salt, to be honest, at this stage of the season. There’s nothing that we can do, that Callum can do, other than perform well.

“That influences rumours and things like that at this stage of the season.

"He’s just got to focus on his next game and give his best for this club."

Asked about the frontman's England call-up, Howe added: “It’s deserved. I think he’s had a good start to the season.

"I think with Callum we have just been focusing on his performances and making sure he delivers what we need for the team.

“On the back of that, we have always said we feel he will score goals if he gets the finer points of his performance right.

"I think he has and now he’s in a confident mood – that’s a great sign for us and for him.”