BOSS Lee Bradbury admits interest in Cherries’ coveted stars presents a difficult balancing act but he insists: “It is a good problem to have.”

Bradbury, who remains keen to keep his top players amid continuing speculation, believes it is flattering to see them linked with moves to a higher level.

Chairman Eddie Mitchell confirmed that Jason Pearce, Danny Ings and Rhoys Wiggins all attracted unsuccessful bids last weekend.

Mitchell revealed that he rejected offers from Peterborough and Barnsley for Pearce, but fellow Championship outfits Portsmouth, Reading, Ipswich and Burnley are all said to be pondering swoops for the centre-half.

Charlton and Fulham failed in attempts to buy Wiggins and Ings, respectively, and it is understood the Addicks may now be looking elsewhere in their search for defensive reinforcements.

But some of Cherries’ other leading lights – including Marc Pugh and Shwan Jalal – could emerge as potential transfer targets for second tier clubs after enjoying successful seasons.

Discussing the interest in his players, Bradbury expressed mixed emotions.

He told the Echo: “I expected it and I would have been very surprised if there wasn’t any interest.

“The lads did great for us and we didn’t go up, so there are going to be teams looking at them – teams high up in League One, Championship clubs and, in some cases, Premier League clubs.

“You have got to say well done to the boys but, as AFC Bournemouth, our best interests are to keep those players at this club for as long as we can, and progress them all to a stage where Premier League or Championship clubs are looking at them.

“And if an offer is right for the club and the player, then we wouldn’t stand in their way.

“But I want to keep them all. It is a difficult one for me because, on the one hand, I have got to look after this upcoming season and I want to do as well we can.

“But, on the other hand, I want to make sure the future of the club is secure. It is a balancing act.”

Bradbury added: “I would much rather be in the situation we are now, with a lot of clubs looking at our players, than none of them looking at anyone.

“It is a compliment to them and us that there is so much interest. Hopefully, this time next year, it will be the same. It is a good problem to have.”

Meanwhile, Bradbury confirmed there were no updates to report on potential new signings.

Speaking in Wednesday’s Echo, the Cherries boss asked fans to be patient as he worked behind the scenes to bring in the right recruits.

Bradbury has put a central midfielder and central defender at the top of his wish-list.