Bournemouth striker Joshua King admits he was “intrigued” by reports linking him with Tottenham, but insists he is expecting to stay at the Vitality Stadium.

The Norway international played a crucial role last season as he helped the Cherries avoid relegation to the Championship.

The former Blackburn Rovers man scored 16 Premier League goals as Eddie Howe’s men finished ninth in the league table.

Bournemouth ultimately were 12 points clear of the drop zone and King’s form did not go unnoticed, with Spurs reportedly ready to make a move.

King signed a four-year deal with the Cherries last summer and although he admits he was interested to hear of Spurs’ interest, he wants to work under Howe. He told the Daily Echo: “I was focusing on the season and finishing it strongly.

But I would be a liar if I said I hadn’t noticed it. It was in most papers in England and you have got people tagging you and sending you links here and there.

“I was intrigued even being mentioned in the same sentence as Spurs, a big team who play in the Champions League. It is the summer holiday now and I’ve learned so much from the gaffer here.

“You never know in football but, hopefully, I will be here next year and I’m looking forward to working with the gaffer because he’s been brilliant with me since the day I set foot on the training ground.”

King will be hoping to help Bournemouth improve further but they are still priced at 7.00 to go down next season.