TEENAGE prodigy Sam Matthews – who is understood to have attracted interest from Premier League clubs – has committed his long-term future to Cherries.

The highly-rated attacking midfielder saw his potential rewarded by manager Eddie Howe when he was handed a new three-year contract with the Dorset club.

Cherries today confirmed Matthews had penned the deal, initially on scholarship terms before it becomes a full professional contract when he turns 17 in March.

Matthews, who often operates as a winger, has a reputation for spectacular goals and netted with a 25-yard curler in an FA Youth Cup clash at Dean Court last term.

His performances are believed to have caught the eye of scouts from top-flights outfits including Fulham and Premier League champions Manchester United.

But manager Howe spotted Matthews’s talent and moved quickly to tie the youngster to a new deal after fast-tracking him into the senior set-up.

Matthews told the club website: “I have been at the club since I was 10 or 11 and I love it here.

“I have just left school, so to be able to come in full-time and train with the first team has been really good.

“The intensity of the sessions is a lot harder but I am feeling stronger and quicker already and, hopefully, I can continue that.

“Eddie and Jason have been great with me and I have learned so much from them. They are really supportive of me but they are mindful of how young I am and what stage I am at physically. I can’t thank them enough.”

Matthews is currently with Cherries on their European pre-season training trip.

He added: “I didn’t expect to be going to Switzerland but it is really exciting. I am sure it will be a good experience and I will learn a lot from it.”