SEASONED transfer target Lee Bradbury claims sought-after striker Sam Vokes is "priceless" to Cherries.

And Bradbury, who made three big-money moves during his career, also reckons Vokes could be the man to keep Cherries in League One.

Now 32, Bradbury commanded around £5m in transfer fees and joined Manchester City from Portsmouth in a high-profile £3m deal when he was just 20.

The experienced campaigner is one of the senior pros Vokes confided in as he pondered a £200,000 switch to Crewe at the end of last week.

Bradbury believes his decision to stay at Dean Court was correct and is convinced the 18-year-old could play a key role in Cherries' survival bid.

Speaking to the Daily Echo, Bradbury said: "It's hard for young players when they are the subject of transfer speculation. Sam had his parents to guide him but you get all sorts of people coming out of the woodwork.

"You get agents and financial advisors sniffing around and you've just got to keep the people you trust close by and get their advice. You can also speak to the manager, the coaching staff and some senior pros and try to learn from other people's experiences.

"I went through something similar at his age so I spoke to him about it. He's got his head screwed on and I'm sure he'll go on and do well because he's a good prospect.

"I think he did the right thing by staying. He can get at least another half a season under his belt and then take it from there.

"He's only 18 and he's only played 40-odd games. He's still learning his trade but, if he keeps learning the way he is at the moment, he'll go on to do well.

"I'm sure a club will come in with a big offer as long as he keeps his feet on the ground, which I'm sure he will."

Vokes has already publicly acknowledged the part Bradbury has played in his recent emergence - with the youngster's form seeing him displace his team-mate as Cherries' frontline striker.

Bradbury added: "He's done brilliantly up front on his own. He holds the ball up well, causes defenders problems and is priceless to us at the moment. He could be the difference between staying up or going down.

"I scored a few goals when I first came and then had a bit of a dry spell. Sam came in and has been scoring goals week in, week out. I think he's got seven in 12 so you can't argue with that.

"It's not just the goals though, it's his all-round contribution. He gives the team options and a lot of people don't see the work he does down the channels. I take my hat off to him."