KEVIN Bond looks set to step up his search for a defender after bolstering his midfield and striking options with the additions of Luke Summerfield and David McGoldrick.

Summerfield has joined Cherries on a month's loan from Plymouth, while McGoldrick will extend his stay from Southampton for a second month.

Bond has bolstered his resources ahead of the transfer deadline, with news of his double coup revealed exclusively on the Daily Echo website.

But with Karl Broadhurst, Callum Hart, Eddie Howe and Shaun Maher all struggling with injury, Bond now looks likely to turn his attentions to strengthening his defence.

And although Bond anticipates Broadhurst and Hart returning early next month, he looks certain to be without both Howe and Maher for the remainder of the season.

Asked whether Howe, Maher and Steven Foley would be available, Bond replied: "If they were to become available before the end of the season, it would be a bonus.

"But I've got to do my planning ahead of Thursday without them. There are certain areas where we are vulnerable and if I'm allowed to do something then I will.

"We are short at centre-back and I wouldn't want to have a couple of injuries and then be in a terrible situation in the wrong areas."

Bond looks to have beaten off fierce competition for Summerfield, a central midfielder who spent a week training with Chelsea last month.

The 19-year-old has made 23 appearances in the Championship for the Pilgrims this season and netted the winner on his full debut at Colchester in August.

Bond, who described Playershare's help in funding the signing as "invaluable", added: "Luke comes with a good reputation and is highly recommended by his manager. He is a very good, young professional and wants to come here because he wants to play. Those are the type of people we want."

Bond also expressed his delight at keeping McGoldrick: "He's different, he's got ability and he gives people problems. He's helped us win at least two games while he's been here and those points could be invaluable at the end of the season. He's fitted in well and been a big asset."