BOSS Kevin Bond is confident Cherries can keep Sam Vokes's army of suitors at bay ahead of next week's loan transfer deadline.

The sought-after striker has been attracting interest from a number of clubs, with Premiership big guns Newcastle, Everton and Aston Villa believed to be among them.

And although the transfer window is closed until the end of the season, Cherries could still strike a deal that would see Vokes go out on loan with a view to a permanent move in the summer.

But with Thursday's deadline fast approaching and no firm offers on the table, Bond believes Cherries' prize asset will remain at Dean Court.

He told the Daily Echo: "I've had a couple of phone calls about him but I'm not aware of any bids. There was a conversation with Newcastle, who expressed an interest, but it hasn't gone any further than that.

"He's our player and until someone comes along and offers a sufficient amount of money which would warrant us being prepared to sell him then that's the way it will remain, like it will for every other player at our club."

Bond, who rewarded Vokes with a three-and-a-half year deal in January 2007, added: "We're in charge. He's under contract and he's got no desire to go anywhere, certainly not at this moment in time.

"Sam and his parents believe he's in the best place. Everybody hopes he will progress and have an exciting future. But, at this moment in time, I think he's quite relaxed about the situation."

A product of the club's centre of excellence, Vokes made his debut when he was just five months into a two-year apprenticeship and then grabbed his first senior goal in a 1-1 draw at Gillingham 15 months ago.

And although he struggled to hold down a place at the start of this season, he has bagged 11 goals in his past 19 starts and is one of the hottest properties in the lower leagues.

Bond, who will be without Vokes on Easter Monday due to his latest Wales under-21 call-up, added: "I hope he progresses sufficiently to create an awful a lot of interest and, one day, we might sell him for a lot of money, which would benefit the club and Sam."