CHAIRMAN Eddie Mitchell insisted Josh McQuoid would be staying at Dean Court after confirming Cherries had rejected two bids for the striker.

Sources close to the Daily Echo claimed Millwall had come in for McQuoid earlier this week and then tabled an improved bid yesterday, believed to have been for in excess of £300,000.

Lions boss Kenny Jackett moved swiftly to up his initial offer after seeing the 20-year-old frontman play a starring role in Cherries’ 2-0 win over Yeovil on Tuesday.

Jackett had chosen to run the rule over McQuoid in person and saw him net a breathtaking individual goal, taking his tally for the season to 12 and seven in four games.

And with the loan window due to close later today, the Championship outfit were looking to sign McQuoid ahead of the deadline with a view to making the deal permanent in January.

But their hopes were scuppered when the Cherries board showed their determination to keep the club’s latest prize asset on board by turning down their overtures.

Speaking to the Daily Echo last night, Mitchell said: “When they first made contact, we told them Josh was not for sale. But they made a bid anyway and it was rejected. They came back with another offer this morning which wasn’t accepted either.”

Mitchell added: “Josh is a key member of our squad and we are not looking to disband it. I wouldn’t see any great benefit in him going. He is firing on all cylinders for us and we want to keep it that way.

“I believe we are good enough to make the play-offs or better and what would be the point in us jeopardising the bigger prize at this stage in the season.”

News of Millwall’s interest came hot on the heels of Cherries failing in a bid to strengthen their squad when an attempt to sign a loan player was vetoed by the Football League.

And while Mitchell admitted funds from any player sale would boost the club’s finances, he also expressed a desire to keep intact Eddie Howe’s emerging squad.

“We need the money, sure we do,” said Mitchell. “But everybody needs some money. We’ve just got to try to get by and to keep all the players here. They are all valuable and I wouldn’t want to see any of them go. I’m sure more offers will come in during January, not just for Josh but for other players as well.

“I’d like us to see out the season with this squad and then plan for next season with these players as the base. I don’t want to see players leave the club while we are playing so well and while we are pleasing our supporters.”

Mitchell confirmed the club was in talks with McQuoid regarding a new contract with his current deal due to expire at the end of this season. Should he choose not to sign and if he were to leave the club once out of contract, any fee would be determined by a tribunal – unless the two clubs could reach agreement.