Express Sport exclusively revealed on Saturday that the Hammers have had an opening £8million bid for the midfielder rejected by the South Coast club.

New Hammers manager David Moyes is a huge fan of the hard-working Cherries man and has made him a key target for January.

The West Ham manager believes the squad he inherited from Slaven Bilic is weak in central midfield, and is looking to bring reinforcements.

However, Eddie Howe has told West Ham to forget about making a move.

Ahead of the Boxing Day clash with the Hammers, Howe said: “Harry is going nowhere.

“He is integral to the team, we gave him a four-year contract, demonstrating our love for him. He is so important for us.

“Harry is a leader. I would not say he is a shouter and screamer. He is a leader with his endeavour and passion which comes out in the match.”

Howe criticised Arter over his poor form earlier in the season but believes he is now back on top of his game.

Howe, whose side are back in the relegation zone, added: “When you look at the last couple of games that is more Harry. When he is playing well he’s all action.

“I’d like to think Harry is back to his best now. When he plays well the team plays well. He is the heartbeat of the team.”

Moyes is ready to make changes after Saturday’s 3-2 home defeat to Newcastle.

But Andy Carroll and Javier Hernandez are set to remain out of the picture after Moyes claimed they are too slow to get into his current team.

Hernandez has not managed more than 11 minutes off the bench in the league since the Scot arrived, while Carroll has yet to start a game since he got injured.

He said: “I think the way the team has been set up has been better suited to the quicker boys playing up front.

“But I do know what Andy Carroll and Chicharito’s qualities are. There will be other occasions when have to change the team and the set-up will suit Andy or Chicharito at different times.”