KING IS NOW FULLY FOCUSED ON CHERRIES’ SURVIVAL FIGHT

BOURNEMOUTH boss Eddie Howe insists Josh King is fully focused despite the collapse of his mooted deadline-day move to Manchester United.

King hit 12 Premier League goals last term and is closing in on full fitness after a thigh problem, and Cherries boss Howe is confident in the 28-year-old’s mindset after those links to United.

‘That was a difficult couple of days for him, but a huge compliment and a huge moment for him, to have Manchester United come in and express an interest in him,’ said Howe, whose side face high-flying Sheffield United at Bramall Lane today.

‘But he’s very focused on our current position and this club.

‘He knows we’re in a relegation fight; it’s no time for him to focus on himself, he knows that and he’s very much a team player.

‘I think all players understand how football works and the transfer windows, there’s such a lot for players to take in these days, especially with the media, so interested in every detail.

‘But the players are here, the window is shut and they are very focused on the team, on our situation.’