Bournemouth boss Eddie Howe insisted there have been "no issues" with forward Josh King after his proposed Manchester United deadline day transfer fell through.
The Cherries rejected United's advances for King as Ole Gunnar Solskjaer sought to boost his striking options on the final day of the January transfer window, eventually completing a loan move for Odion Ighalo from Chinese Super League Shanghai Shenua.
But at one stage earlier in the day, King looked to be in line for a return to his former club, but the two clubs were well apart in their valuations of the Norwegian international.
And Howe has now addressed rumours circulating that King was left frustrated with how the situation played out. The Bournemouth boss told the Daily Echo that King is merely focused on returning from a hamstring injury.
“As it currently stands, no [issues]," he said. "He has been in a really good frame of mind.
“He is desperate to come back from injury and show everybody how good he is.
“He is very keen to play for the club, for the shirt, there is no issues with him at all.
“It was a difficult few days for him. I’m not going to deny that, but I think he is in a good place now to return and fight for us."
MEN Sport understands Bournemouth's asking price for King was beyond what United were willing to pay, despite Howe previously admitting his club had a "decision to make" earlier in the day.
King was receptive to an Old Trafford return but a deal couldn't be done.
Howe added: “I think I’m always thinking of my players and, of course, the club and making sure we do right by the club and right by the players - making sure they are in a position where they can give their best for us.
“Out of this event, Joshua is in a good place to return and show everybody that he is the striker that deserves to be bid by Manchester United and living up to that.
“He has all the ability to do it and hopefully he will show it in the second half of the season.”
