Eddie Howe says he's taking Tottenham's interest in Nathan Ake as a compliment

Ake joined Bournemouth from Chelsea for £20 million in the summer of 2017

Eddie Howe admitted that he’s hardly surprised that Nathan Ake’s performances have attracted from attention from other clubs while swatting away Tottenham’s reported interest.

Ake joined Bournemouth from Chelsea in 2017 for £20 million after impressing during an initial loan spell and the Bournemouth boss acknowledged that the Dutchman is a “massive part of what we the club are doing,” having played in every one of their Premier League matches last season.

“It’s inevitable (to be linked) when the team is doing well people will naturally highlight our players as potential players who can go on and play at a higher level, bigger club,” Howe said.

“I think that’s a compliment to Nathan and how he’s played since he signed for us permanently.

“He’s been a model of consistency. He picked up all the player awards that he did at the end of last season and he’s carried that form into this (campaign), so I have been really pleased with him.”

Bournemouth are in high spirits ahead of Saturday’s coastal clash against fellow seasiders Southampton. The Cherries have reached the lofty heights of sixth in the league and drubbed Watford away at Vicarage Road 4-0 prior to the international break.

Ake played in every Premier League game for Bournemouth last season (Getty)

Southampton, however, have struggled to scavenge any shrapnel so far this season. Mark Hughes’ side have only taken five points from their first eight league games and are already eleven points behind Bournemouth.

Howe also acknowledged the blossoming rivalry between the southern coast sides whose fans have revelled in spending simultaneous seasons in the Premier League.

“We respect Southampton a lot, they are a very good club with very good players, so we don’t underestimate them at all, because we know football can change very quickly.

“I definitely think it (rivalry) has grown from a point a few years ago, when we hadn’t been at this level before.

“Naturally I don’t think that rivalry was there. It has the scope to get bigger, but that will determine on both teams continuing at this level.”