Bournemouth manager Eddie Howe has said that defender Jack Simpson will not be leaving the Vitality Stadium this month.

Middlesbrough, along with Stoke and Derby, were reportedly keen on bringing in the 23-year-old on loan, but Howe has confirmed that the decision has been made to keep him due to a lack of cover in the Cherries’ squad:

“Jack will be staying with us due to a couple of problems that we have.”

The Teessiders will now have to look elsewhere as they look to reinforce their defence before the transfer window closes on Friday night.

There is still a possibility that former player Ben Gibson could return to the Riverside Stadium but Burnley are reluctant to let the player go on loan, with Watford already having had a bid turned down.

Leicester City’s Filip Benkovic appears to be the main alternative, but the Croatian international will only be allowed to leave the King Power Stadium if the Foxes manage to bring in a replacement.