BOSS Eddie Howe confirmed Jack Simpson would not be loaned out by the Cherries and said the defender could become one of the club’s finest homegrown talents.

The 21-year-old had been heavily linked with a temporary switch to Scottish Premiership giants Rangers, under former England star Steven Gerrard.

The Ibrox outfit were understood to have been keen on the Weymouth-raised youngster, who attended Wey Valley School, and penned a contract in January to remain with the Cherries until at least June 2020.

With the Scottish transfer window set to close today, Howe insisted defender Simpson would be staying at the Vitality Stadium and challenged him to reach his full potential.

The Cherries’ prospect, who has been with the Dorset club since the age of 12, helped his side keep a clean sheet during Tuesday’s 3-0 Carabao Cup second round win over MK Dons.

Howe said: “I think it was well documented Jack had a little bit of interest, which we have declined. We want to keep Jack with us.

“He is too important for us to be loaning out. I think they should be really nice words for him because we see him as a valuable member of our squad. He has an important part to play in the future of this football club.I think he could be one of the best young talents we have ever brought through here.

“Every player in our squad has to be ready to play in the Premier League and Jack would fall in that bracket.

“We are making sure we look after the team here, while also developing Jack.”

Giving his take on Simpson’s display against the Dons, during which England under-21 boss Aidy Boothroyd was present, Howe added: “I thought he did really well, I was very pleased. It was a good performance.

“I thought he looked very composed. I can’t remember him giving the ball away, aerially he was fine. I thought he handled himself very well.”

Simpson got off to a perfect start with a goal on his first-team debut against Middlesbrough in the Carabao Cup last season.

He has made five senior appearances for Cherries, including playing 72 minutes at Manchester City in the Premier League in December.

Schooled at Wey Valley, Weymouth, the former Terras’ youngster scored in a pre-season friendly against La Liga outfit Levante in June.

He also made appearances in friendlies against the likes of Sevilla, Nottingham Forest, Amiens and Real Betis.

“Jack had an important role to play last season. He played in the Premier League and played well, so we are looking for him to take that next step and try to establish himself in the team,” added Howe.

“He still has to work on his game every day and make sure he improves and reaches his full potential.

“That is going to take a lot of hard work from this point but only Jack can do that, we believe in him and hope he gets that.”