LAURENCE Jones has scotched rumours that Philip Oram is preparing a last-ditch bid to rival the consortium planning to take control of AFC Bournemouth.

Oram, who failed with his bid to become the new landlord of the Fitness First Stadium recently, has declined opportunities to talk to the Daily Echo despite repeated requests, amid speculation that he could be planning to submit a last-minute offer ahead of Friday night's EGM.

A representative from Structadene - the current landlords - confirmed there had been no contact with Mr Oram since his original offer to become the new owner was rejected by the board, while acting chairman Laurence Jones insisted he had not heard anything.

Jones told the Daily Echo: "I can categorically assure everyone that there has been no formal contact with Philip Oram at all since his initial offer was declined by the board."

But intriguingly it seems that even a declaration of no further interest has not been received and Jones said: "Different people flirt with the club on a regular basis.

"I have spoken to him (Oram) informally on a couple of occasions and made it very clear that if he is interested in putting another offer in, then it has to be a formal offer through me that I would then take to the board of directors.

"No such offer has been made."

And Jones also believes that there will be no beat-the-clock offer from the Bournemouth-based businessman.

Jones said: "I think it would be too late now. We are so far down the road and so close to the EGM that should Mr Oram still wish to put a bid in, he would have to go through the same due process that Jeff Mostyn and Steve Sly have undertaken."