COLCHESTER United look set to join the race for Jo Kuffour, with the Essex side likely to battle it out with Bristol Rovers for the Cherries star's signature.

Kuffour, who was the club's leading goalscorer last season, handed in a transfer request on Friday and could leave before the transfer window closes at the end of August.

Rovers, who failed with a bid for Kuffour during the summer, are still thought to be keen, while Colchester have emerged as the latest interested club, but Southend have ruled themselves out of the running.

Sources close to the Daily Echo claim the U's want to lure the livewire forward, who would probably command a fee of about £75,000, back into League One.

But Cherries owner Paul Baker, who hinted that there had been enquiries about the striker this week, admits he wants to keep hold of Kuffour until Cherries have found a suitable replacement.

He insisted his priority was to ensure the Dorset club didn't weaken their squad by selling the striker too soon.

"I'm more concerned about the strength of our squad than strengthening somebody else's," Baker told the Daily Echo.

"Everybody recognises Jo is the main striker at the club and we need to source a replacement first, then be in a position to let him go.

"There's a couple of weeks to go in the transfer window and I don't feel the need to rush, even though Jo might want to go as soon as possible.

"We need to make sure we're happy with our squad first."

Baker, who bought Cherries along with his Sport-6 partner Alastair Saverimutto, added: "There's been some action this week but I'm just monitoring the situation at the moment.

"I don't want Jo to go but recognise he wants to play at a higher level.

"If the right bid comes in and we have got someone lined up to replace him, we'll listen.

"What we don't want to do is weaken the squad without having replacements lined up to come in."

  • Cherries' reserve team got their Football Combination season off to a perfect start with a 1-0 victory over Exeter City at Dean Court yesterday.

Youth team striker Steve Hutchings got the goal for Eddie Howe's men.

A mixture of fringe players, youngsters and trialists made up the Cherries side, with Howe picking out centre-half Tim Stephenson for special praise.

Cherries reserves: Pryce, Kanu, Westwood, Stephenson, MacGookin (Ings, 79), Whittingham (Webb, 68), Partington, Hill, Kemble, Sappleton (Wilson, 61), Hutchings. Unused subs: Thomas, Oldring.