Wednesday 19 December 2018 23:38, UK
Eddie Howe has poured cold water over Fulham's interest in striker Lys Mousset, declaring him "an important part" of Bournemouth's future.
The French forward played in Bournemouth's 1-0 loss at Stamford Bridge and Howe said he was impressed with his performance.
After also ruling out Chelsea signing Callum Wilson in the upcoming window, Howe joked: "It sounds like we are going to be left with no strikers at this rate."
Of Mousset he said: "I thought he did very, very well tonight. That's probably his best performance for the club.
"His fitness levels were much improved. Technically I thought he produced a really high level game. And he's a big part of our future."
Mousset has struggled for games since joining Bournemouth in a £5.4m deal from Le Havre in 2016, making just seven Premier League starts.
New Fulham boss Claudio Ranieri is hoping to bring in a new striker, a new centre-back and possibly a right-back next month, as the league's bottom club look to rescue themselves from relegation.
