Cherries have been granted permission to make a second conditional signing by the Football League, the Echo can reveal.

The news will come as a further boost to Eddie Howe and his injury-ravaged squad following the singing of West Ham youngster Anthony Edgar in midweek.

Chairman Eddie Mitchell, speaking to the Echo on route to Port Vale this morning, confirmed that the league had agreed to allow Howe to bolster his resources, with an acute injury crisis threatening to derail Cherries’ fine start to the League Two campaign.

Under the league stipulations, Howe would be able to bring in a player on an emergency loan or on non-contract terms, providing their wages do not exceed a £500 per week cap.

However, it is understood league chiefs will not permit Cherries to draft in free agent Steve Lovell, who has been training with the club since pre-season.

But Howe may now make a second attempt to bring back Maxi Gradel from Leicester City following his memorable loan spell at Dean Court in 2007-08.

It is unlikely any new additions would be made until early next week, with Mitchell confirming Howe was considering his options.