FORMER Cherries midfielder Darren Anderton says he would be “very surprised” if Dominic Solanke pushed for an exit from the south coast this summer.

Speculation is rife regarding Solanke’s future, following his superb season with Cherries, where he scored 19 Premier League goals.

Despite his fine form, England boss Gareth Southgate snubbed Solanke, not selecting him for this summer’s European Championship.

That has led to some concerns from fans that the former Chelsea and Liverpool man, who has one England cap, could be tempted to move elsewhere to boost his international hopes.

Tottenham Hotspur are the latest club linked with a move for Solanke, who is contracted to Cherries until 2027.

But Anderton, who played more than 350 games for Spurs, before ending his career with Cherries in 2008, does not expect Solanke to be desperate for a move.

Darren Anderton in action during the 1998 World Cup (Image: PA)

Anderton, who starred for England at Euro 96 and the 1998 World Cup, told the Daily Echo: “He’s obviously in a place that he’s happy and that he’s able to be talked about as playing for England and that sort of thing.

“So if he’s doing the business, it’s not like Gareth is only looking at the so-called big clubs in order to pick his players.

“I think if he’s happy there, that’s where he should stay.

“Bournemouth are on the up, they’re improving every year. I would be very surprised if he would be looking to get away.

“Of course, I understand having spent 12 years of my career at Tottenham, that if that were to happen, I’m sure his head would be turned.

“But, at the same time, I don’t think it’s something he will be pursuing himself.

“If that were to happen, I’m sure he would go and have a conversation with whoever it may be.”

Southgate decided to pick Aston Villa star Ollie Watkins and Brentford’s Ivan Toney as striker options for his England squad for Euro 2024 ahead of Solanke, alongside captain Harry Kane.

Asked if he feels the 26-year-old could feel hard done by to miss out given the season he just had with Cherries, Anderton said: “I think so. It is difficult, there is so much talent within England now.

“It’s a very difficult job for Gareth to pick players out.

“I don’t think there’s any difference between him and an Ollie Watkins or Ivan Toney.

“Those three, they’re all inexperienced at international level.

“Of course Harry Kane is the main man.

“So, to me, whoever he picks, I think it can go either way.

“I think Dom was just very unlucky that he was the one who missed out.”

Darren Anderton was speaking in an interview on behalf of Freebets.com