CHERRIES could face strong competition from League One rivals Leyton Orient for the signature of sought-after striker Jo Kuffour.

The diminutive hitman, a former Arsenal trainee, is believed to be a leading summer target for Cherries boss Kevin Bond.

However, it has now emerged that Orient have also joined the race for the 25-year-old, who is out of contract and available on a free transfer.

A source at the Matchroom Stadium yesterday confirmed to the Daily Echo that Kuffour was definitely on Orient manager Martin Ling's wanted list.

And an unsubstantiated tip-off also suggested that London-based Kuffour had been spotted at Brisbane Road earlier this week.

Kuffour, who netted 12 goals for Brentford last season, is understood to be keen to stay in League One following the Bees' relegation.

And although he has reportedly been offered new terms by the Griffin Park outfit, Kuffour is understood to have set his sights on moving to a club in a higher league.

The Ghanaian international, who also helped Torquay to promotion in 2004, has already rejected advances from Huddersfield and is believed to favour staying in the south.

Cherries are in the market for at least one proven goalscorer following the sale of five-times leading marksman James Hayter to Doncaster.

And a transfer fee of around £200,000, coupled with the departure of the club's highest wage earner, has given boss Bond a reasonable kitty to work with.