CHAIRMAN Eddie Mitchell insists Cherries have no plans to offload any of their army of strikers – despite the imminent arrival of an eighth recruit.

Cherries are hoping to complete the signing of a new frontman in the next few days after agreeing personal terms with the player earlier this week.

Mitchell has understandably been reluctant to reveal the identity of the target but has confirmed he would command a transfer fee.

Speculation linking Cherries with Charlton pair Leon Clarke and Paul Hayes, and one-time Dean Court loan star James Keene, has been scotched by Mitchell.

Echo sources suggest boss Paul Groves has been in the market for a striker with a physical presence, while there is also a possibility Cherries may have taken their search abroad.

The latest addition would follow hot on the heels of Cherries shelling out £150,000 for Lewis Grabban from Rotherham and the return of Josh McQuoid from Millwall.

And with Wes Thomas, Matt Tubbs, Steve Fletcher, Charlie Sheringham and Jayden Stockley already on the books, Groves will have an embarrassment of riches at his disposal next season.

Mitchell told the Daily Echo: “There are lots of reasons for having a healthy number of strikers. We want to be able to change formations and we may want to rotate players.

“We know we need goals and, if people hit a bit of poor form and the goals dry up, we want to be able to bring in someone who is on form. Competition is all part of the game.

“If you have got a squad of 20 and only 11 are playing, you are going to have disappointed players.

“It is for every player to earn his place and make himself a first choice.

“If we are going to be successful, we are going to need the best from all the players and that includes all the forwards. We don’t want to overcook the goose but I don’t think we are.”

Mitchell, whose alliance with Maxim Demin allowed Cherries to spend heavily in January, is convinced their latest prospective signing will “excite” supporters.

“We think he will add a great deal of value to our existing strike-force,” added Mitchell. “He is someone who had not been on the radar until recently and, if it goes through, we will have done very well.

“It will be a feather in our cap.”

Mitchell added: “I don’t want to put pressure on the players but I think we will be in the top two.

“People might think that is unnecessary pressure but I believe it.

“I believe we are capable of going up automatically and, if people laugh at me at the end of the season, I am only telling the truth. I think we will be very good and very strong.”