CHERRIES chairman Eddie Mitchell today refused to be drawn on reports of a second failed bid by the club for Malmo striker Tokelo Rantie.

Sky Sports yesterday claimed Cherries were one of three clubs to have tabled an offer in excess of one million euro for the 22-year-old.

The report suggested Cherries’ Championship rivals Middlesbrough were also on the trail of the South African, together with French outfit St Etienne.

When contacted by the Daily Echo, Mitchell politely declined to comment on the speculation but did confirm the club was in the market for a striker.

Mitchell also said funds would be made available to Eddie Howe should the Cherries boss wish to pursue any possible targets and strengthen his squad.

Cherries have been heavily linked with a move for Rantie with reports in South Africa last month claiming an initial bid of around £250,000 had been rejected.

Rantie, who is apparently under a long-term deal with Malmo, helped the club reach the third qualifying round of the Europa League where they exited at the hands of Swansea last week.

Meanwhile, Sky Sports have also linked Cherries with a move for American international Terrence Boyd who plays for Rapid Vienna in the Austrian Bundesliga.

The 22-year-old German-born striker joined Rapid for 400 euro from Borussia Dortmund 13 months ago and netted 13 times last season.