EDDIE Howe admits it is "doubtful" Cherries will add to their squad before Friday's transfer deadline.

Despite struggling in the Premier League relegation zone, Cherries have not signed anybody this month with Howe insisting last week the club were still "actively looking" for new players.

But asked after last night's 2-1 FA Cup defeat to Arsenal whether he was hopeful of strengthening his squad in this window, Howe told the Daily Echo: "Days are running out.

"Being honest, I’d probably say it looks doubtful. But never say never.

"But I’d probably say we’re more hopeful we’ll get a couple players back who can make a difference from injury, rather than signing new players."

Discussing whether he feels his current squad are capable of avoiding relegation, Howe added: "I feel we’ve got enough in the squad, I don’t think I’ve ever doubted that for a second.

"I think should I need to do that, should I need to say that? I think it should show in the performance how much we want these games, how much we need to do well from the very first minute and I think that’s concerning to a degree.

"But I think the response from the players (against Arsenal) was very, very good and the attitude was excellent after about half an hour of that game and we had to show it because we’re 2-0 down and it was a difficult match."