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Bournemouth don't want to sell Matt Ritchie to Manchester United - Howe

Bournemouth manager Eddie Howe has said his club would not be willing to sell winger Matt Ritchie to Manchester United.

Earlier this month, sources told ESPN FC that United were keeping tabs on Ritchie as they look to bolster their attacking options.

The 26-year-old has been Bournemouth's standout performer in their first season in the Premier League, but Howe told a news conference that the Cherries were "not a selling club."

"Matty's a good player, so it's not a surprise to me that he is linked to the top clubs," he said.

"Matt Ritchie on form and playing well is a threat to anybody.

"Whenever any of our players gets linked [with a move], it's not welcomed by us. We're not a selling club, and we certainly want to keep the squad together if we can in January.

"We'd have to see that [any United bid] on its individual merit -- but certainly we're not looking to sell him."