CHAIRMAN Eddie Mitchell confirmed Millwall had enquired about Scott Malone – but played down suggestions they were close to sealing a deal.

The Cherries chief yesterday revealed that Lions boss Kenny Jackett had previously contacted him to discuss the availability of the left-sided star.

Cherries winger Malone joined the club on a three-and-a-half year deal in January, following a loan spell from Wolves, for a fee believed to have been in the region of £150,000.

The 21-year-old scored six goals and contributed seven assists in 37 Cherries appearances last season.

Daily Echo sources claim his performances have attracted the interest of Millwall, with the Championship outfit considering a swoop.

The Echo understands former Cherries striker Josh McQuoid could return to Dean Court as part of any transfer package for Malone.

But while our sources suggest talks could take place imminently, Mitchell quashed those rumours and insisted he had heard nothing since Jackett’s initial phone call.

When asked if the club had received any contact from Millwall about Malone, Mitchell told the Daily Echo: “Yes, but that was some time ago.

“Kenny Jackett phoned me and asked me if we would be interested in selling him and I said ‘no, we’re not looking at selling’ and that was the end of the story. No figures were bandied about or anything.”

Mitchell says his son and Cherries director Tom Mitchell is the board member largely responsible for communicating with Paul Groves and Shaun Brooks about players.

But the chairman confirmed he was yesterday set to have a meeting with the management duo where he could discover more about potential developments.

When told the Echo had heard that Malone had been given permission to talk to Millwall, Mitchell said: “No. Nobody has spoken to me anyway.

“Paul and Shaun have been doing their own thing and have been up to their eyes with various things.

“I have got a meeting with Shaun and Paul this afternoon and whether I will hear any more then, I don’t know.”

Meanwhile, Mitchell reported that Rotherham had not returned with a fresh offer for Matt Tubbs since having a bid rejected last week.

Tubbs joined Cherries in a record transfer in January.

Millers boss Steve Evans, who worked with the striker at Crawley, was understood to have tabled a bid in the region of £200,000 for the 27-year-old.

Evans then told his club’s official website: “AFC Bournemouth told me Matt was not for sale and we respect that decision fully. Only our chairman will decide if we go back with an increased offer.”

Mitchell added: “We have no interest at all in selling Matt Tubbs.”