A MYSTERY bidder is in negotiations to finalise a multi-million pound deal for Long Island.

And rumours abound that a famous name could be about to become the owner of one of the jewels of Poole Harbour.

Estate agency Stephen Noble said the island, which was put up for sale in October, is now "under offer" and that confidentiality agreements had been signed with the potential buyer.

Celebrity names were expected to be among the bidders for 31-acre Long Island and Stephen Noble fielded calls from PAs within days of it coming on to the market.

A string of helicopters have ferried interested buyers to and from the island for viewings in the last few months.

Stephen Noble initially said it would listen to offers in excess of £1 million but has confirmed the guide price has been comprehensively eclipsed.

Nearby Green Island, which also attracted celebrity attention, sold for upwards of £4m in 2005.

Stephen Noble said: "We had about 15 viewings for the island and about 30 people registered their interest.

"The island is now under offer and pending the exchange of contracts."

Bournemouth-born artist Stuart Semple, whose work is collected by the likes of Johnny Depp, Boy George and Debbie Harry, has been the only party to publicly declare his interest in Long Island.

Mr Semple is currently overseas, though his PA confirmed he had been spending more time in Bournemouth recently.

Oasis frontman Liam Gallagher is thought to have been interested in buying a property on Sandbanks and has been spotted in the area.

Robbie Williams was also rumoured to be house-hunting in north Dorset last year.

Long Island is part of the Rempstone Estate and is being sold off by the Ryder family, who believe it is not being used to its full potential.

A designated Site of Special Scientific Interest, the island is described as a nature paradise, with its unique combination of salt marsh, woodland, cliffs and beaches.

It is home to an abundance of birds, as well as the rare red squirrel.

The only buildings on Long Island were built in the Second World War and have since been dismantled.