CHERRIES have rejected a second bid from Swindon Town for striker Wes Thomas, the Daily Echo can reveal.

Dean Court director of football Tom Mitchell confirmed that the fresh offer from the Robins had been turned down.

Swindon, who had already failed with an initial bid, saw their latest advances rebuffed after renewing their interest last night.

Sources in Wiltshire claim the Robins tabled a first offer in the region of £125,000, with the second bid understood to have represented a marginal increase.

That came after Cherries boss Eddie Howe had previously reported that he had no desire to allow Thomas to leave.

Howe is instead attempting to further bolster his attacking options by drafting in at least one new frontman before the end of the transfer window.

Howe told the Daily Echo: “We want to bring in a striker to complement what we have.

“We certainly wouldn’t want to be letting one go in a different direction, especially someone who has started the two games for us this season and done well.

“He has put in a couple of good performances. He has worked extremely hard and I think the fans really took to him on Saturday when they saw how much of a shift he put in for the team, and his attitude and commitment to the cause, so long may that continue.”

Swindon were believed to have made Thomas their number one transfer target, with chairman Jed McCrory confirming their interest in the 26-year-old. But the Robins could now move on to other potential recruits.

Thomas, meanwhile, is expected to feature in the Cherries squad for their Championship clash at Watford tomorrow (3pm).

The former Crawley Town forward, who is contracted to Cherries until next summer, has previously made no secret of his desire for a fresh start with the Dorset club.

After spending much of last season out on loan, Thomas has started both of Cherries' matches so far this term.