Lewis Cook responds to Liverpool links as Eddie Howe offers his verdict on rumours

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Liverpool have been linked with Bournemouth’s Eddie Howe.

Bournemouth boss Eddie Howe has told the Bournemouth Daily Echo that speculation over Lewis Cook’s future is to be expected – and the midfielder himself isn’t paying attention to Liverpool rumours.

After coming up through the ranks and starring with Leeds United, Cook was a target for a host of Premier League clubs, but chose a move to Bournemouth in the summer of 2016.

The 21-year-old – who has five caps for the England Under-21’s – made just nine appearances in all competitions last season, but he has stepped up to the plate this season.

With 25 games played in all competitions this term, Cook has become a key part of Howe’s side, and looks set to get even more important as time goes on and he develops.

The problem for Bournemouth is that Cook’s displays have prompted interest in his signature, with The Sun recently claiming that Liverpool are lining up a £20million summer swoop.

With Emre Can potentially on his way out, Liverpool may pursue another midfielder even with Naby Keita arriving from RB Leipzig, and Cook may just fit the bill.

Now though, Bournemouth boss Howe has told the Bournemouth Daily Echo that he isn’t exactly surprised with the rumours, suggesting that Cook has bee’ outstanding’ this season whilst praising his mentality.

“It’s probably something you expect to see,” said Howe. “I think Lewis has been outstanding this season. He has got better week in, week out and is soaking everything up. Even the disappointing games where we don’t perform as a team will enhance his learning. He has got a great mentality and nothing seems to faze him.

“For a young player, that’s quite difficult to find and his importance to the team is growing every week. He has already had unbelievable experiences in his career. He played a lot of games for Leeds, earned senior international recognition and won the Under-20 World Cup and now he’s doing well in the Premier League. It’s been a great start to his career,” he added.

Cook himself also addressed the rumours, but merely stated that he is enjoying his football at the Vitality Stadium and is completely focused on his career with Bournemouth, rather than rumours about Liverpool.