DERBY striker Johnny Russell is understood to be a transfer target for Cherries boss Eddie Howe.

It is believed that Cherries made two failed bids for the 24-year-old, with a third likely ahead of the closure of the transfer window on Monday.

The Dean Court club have not verified the speculation but it is thought that Howe is keen on bringing in the Rams hitman.

Russell, a former Scotland under-21 international, came through the ranks at Dundee United and made his professional debut in 2007.

The Glasgow-born man spent loan spells at Forfar and Raith before becoming a regular at Tannadice during 2010-11.

Despite strong interest from Serie A club Catania, Russell completed a £750,000 switch to Pride Park in June last year and penned a four-year contract.

He converted a penalty on his competitive debut - the 1-1 draw with Blackburn in August - and went on to score nine times in 43 appearances during 2013-14.

Russell has featured in all six of Derby’s fixtures so far this season but is yet to find the net.

Cherries boss Howe signed frontman Callum Wilson from League One Coventry this summer following the sale of last season’s top scorer Lewis Grabban to Norwich.

Yann Kermorgant and Wilson have been Howe’s favoured starting partnership in the Championship during August but Tokelo Rantie and Brett Pitman have also featured.

The transfer window closes on Monday at 11pm.