Bournemouth manager Eddie Howe has stated that defender Jack Simpson needs to go out on loan and get regular first-team football.

The player has been linked with moves to Middlesbrough, Stoke and Derby on loan, and it appears the race is about to heat up heading into the last week of the January transfer window.

Simpson is a 23-year-old who has large potential in the Bournemouth side and as a centre-back he has found it tough breaking into the first-team in recent times.

The youngster has made six first-team appearances this season, including three in the Premier League as he helped the Cherries when cover was needed in defence.

Howe has expressed that he has a lot of potential and that he needs to be playing regular football at the age he is now.

Speaking to the Bournemouth Echo, Howe said: "He is a player of huge potential and promise but is coming to an age where he probably feels he needs regular football. It’s obviously got to be right for us and for him.

"I back him to get there whether that’s with us, in terms in getting in our team, or maybe looking out on loan."

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The Verdict

The Bournemouth manager is spot on in what he's saying and the player has to go out and get first-team football with the age that he's currently at.

If he can do that, then he may well come back at the end of the season and be ready to get into the squad for the games next campaign.

Howe has a huge belief in him judging by the comments, and that should give Simpson a lot of confidence heading into a potential loan spell.

The centre-back won't mind where he goes as long as he can be guaranteed appearances at what other club he decides to leave to.