CHERRIES were tonight continuing their bid to secure additional firepower amid claims of a failed swoop for Tokelo Rantie.

The Dean Court outfit have been heavily linked with a move for the 22-year-old frontman as they look for striking reinforcements.

Reports in South Africa suggest Cherries have been unsuccessful with an offer of around £250,000 for Malmo star Rantie.

And while Malmo's sporting director Per Agren declined to confirm or deny whether a bid had been tabled, he said his club had no intention of selling Rantie.

In an interview with soccerladuma.co.za, Agren said: “We are in the middle of the season and we are having no thoughts about doing anything with Tokelo right now. We see him as a valuable member of the squad and we don't plan to let him go.”

Cherries boss Eddie Howe has already hinted that he is keen to enhance his attacking options ahead of the Championship campaign.

Howe's current forwards include Brett Pitman, Lewis Grabban, Wes Thomas, Jayden Stockley and versatile wide man Mohamed Coulibaly, although Pitman is a doubt for Saturday's opener due to a hamstring problem, while Josh McQuoid is also sidelined.

Cherries had an offer for Burnley's Danny Ings rejected during the close-season and speculation that they were looking to bring in a striker intensified over the weekend after Matt Tubbs had joined Rotherham on a six-month loan.

Howe, who has signed Elliott Ward, Ian Harte and Coulibaly this summer, has been linked with a host of other potential recruits, but his policy is not to comment on transfer rumours.

Meanwhile, a Cherries development squad travel to Salisbury City tomorrow night for a pre-season friendly (7.30pm).