CHERRIES have reportedly opened talks with Steve Cook over a new deal in a bid to fend off interest from a host of Premier League and Championship clubs.

News that the Dean Court outfit had been hoping to tempt the sought-after defender with improved terms was revealed yesterday by Sky Sports.

The 23-year-old has already been linked with Burnley, Crystal Palace, West Brom, Fulham and Norwich while Wolves are also believed to be among his suitors.

Reports in the Midlands today suggested Molineux boss Kenny Jackett had turned his attentions to Cook after being resigned to missing out on Sheffield United’s Harry Maguire.

The Express & Star in Wolverhampton claimed Wolves were “weighing up a seven-figure bid” for Cook, a player the newspaper rated at £2million.

Cook, who is under contract to Cherries until 2016, turned in a succession of eye-catching performances as Eddie Howe’s men finished 10th in the Championship last season.

A £170,000 signing from Brighton in January 2012, Cook penned a new contract just 12 months ago before going on to star in only his second full season as a professional.

In an interview with the Daily Echo last month, Cook said: “I think it is inevitable that some of our players will be linked with other clubs after the excellent season we have had. Bournemouth has always attracted interest from other clubs and you only have to see how many players have left in the past.

“But times have changed now and I don’t see any reason why the club would need to sell players because it is only going in one direction.

“There is always going to be speculation but, whether anything happens or not, is yet to be seen. As a player, you want to perform well in every game and you want to impress. If you do that and it gets you linked with higher-level clubs then it is flattering.

“The manager has said we should take it as a compliment and, from my perspective, I do. But everyone in this squad wants to play in the Premier League and, hopefully, it can be for this club. It is every boy’s dream to play in the top flight and we want to be pushing for promotion next season.”