Bournemouth assistant Steve Fletcher wants Danny Ings to stay

Bournemouth assistant boss Steve Fletcher is urging young striker Danny Ings to stick with the Cherries in the wake of interest from Premier League clubs, according to the Bournemouth Echo.

Ings is linked with a transfer to the top-flight, with Fulham one of three clubs keen on him.

The Cottagers had a recent bid for Ings rejected by Cherries chairman Eddie Mitchell.

But the 18-year-old - under contract until 2013 - is being monitored by a host of clubs after firing the club to the League One play-offs last season with eight goals for Lee Bradbury's team.

Fletcher has now told the Daily Echo that he believes Ings should continue his development at Dean Court for now.

He said: “It would be an understatement to say he has come on in leaps and bounds. He has come a very long way in a short space of time.

“He only came into the team halfway through the season and, for someone so young, he has taken a lot on board in six months.

“We knew he had scouts watching him and then the speculation surfaced about him being linked with Premier League clubs.

“He is the type of player who is going to have people looking at him because of his age, his capabilities and everything he does on the pitch. That’s the nature of the beast and it is good for him.

“In my opinion, he needs to stay with us for at least another year or two. He needs to get more experience under his belt and develop. If he keeps progressing at the same rate, there would be even more interest in him.”

Fletcher, an occasional strike partner for Ings last season, added: “Danny is a level-headed lad and a good listener.

“Being linked with Premier League clubs is a lot to take on board whether you are 18 or 28. I am sure Danny will take it in his stride.

“If he stays with us for another couple of years and keeps progressing, he would be better equipped if he were to move on to bigger things.

“I am sure he will be well advised by those close to him as to what is best for his future development and career.

“As far as we are concerned, he has just got to keep his head down, get on with his work and do what he does best.”