LEWIS Grabban believes Cherries' financial muscle can fend off Premier League pursuers of the club's top talent ahead of an assault on the Championship's top six.

Top marksman Grabban, whose 22 league goals this season reset the club's individual scoring record in the second tier, is one of several players to be linked with moves to the top flight over the summer.

The 26-year-old frontman, subject of a failed swoop by league rivals Brighton & Hove Albion in January, has been touted by the national press as a £3million target for former club Crystal Palace, managed by ex-Cherries boss Tony Pulis.

However, after revealing that he had no knowledge of any approach from the Eagles, Grabban insisted the backing of Russian owner Maxim Demin was capable of dispelling the notion that Cherries’ stars were ripe for the picking should the big boys come knocking.

Grabban told the Daily Echo: “People might look at where we have come from and the stadium and see us as a small club but we have a wealthy owner so it doesn’t look like we need to sell players.

"We have proved that by rewarding people when they have done well so I don't think any interest is a worry to the club.

“Outsiders might look and end up underestimating us and there's nothing wrong with that, you just go out there, try to excel and prove those people wrong.

“I think we have proved we are more than capable of beating the best sides in this division and we are looking at getting into the play-offs as a minimum target for next season.

“We had a hiccup and that was the only reason we missed out this time. We already have a great squad at Bournemouth and with a few more additions we can definitely push for promotion and progress the club.

“The dream would be to keep all the players and while these things don't always happen, hopefully we can keep this squad together because we have something special building.”

On the link with a return to Selhurst Park, Grabban added: “The thing with speculation is you never know if it is true or not. If teams from the Premier League are interested in me then that is flattering.

“As a player, it is a compliment to be linked with other clubs.

Everyone has ambitions to play in the Premier League, I think it is the same for every footballer but at the moment they are just rumours.”