BOSS Scott Parker insisted there was “dialogue literally by the hour” in terms of recruiting players – and is hopeful things will hot up as the transfer window reaches its conclusion.

The Cherries boss named as many as 11 academy graduates in his matchday squad for Friday’s 2-2 draw with West Bromwich Albion in their Championship opener.

Parker has made no secret that he would like to add to his group in recent weeks and insisted the club’s lack of recruitment was not for the want of trying.

Asked whether he was confident of signings being round the corner, the Cherries boss said: “I am confident. At this moment in time and where we are in a season, there’s not much business being taken.

“I’m not just talking for us, I’m talking in general. Clubs won’t want to loan players out, they are holding on to them until Premier League clubs – so that’s always going to be a delay.

“And, of course, with the pandemic and what we are in and any hurdles you face in any transfer market, it’s sometimes very difficult. That’s the challenges we are facing along with every other football club.

“I’m hoping in the coming weeks, you normally find the longer the transfer window goes on, a lot more activity happens and hopefully that will be the case.

“This is not through a lack of effort or a lack of desire of doing it. I can honestly say to you there is constant dialogue literally by the hour in terms of us trying our hardest to get players in.

“At this moment it’s proving a little bit difficult but hopefully we will get there.”

A stretched squad saw an extremely youthful bench named against the Baggies, as Cherries had eight first-team players ruled out through either injury, illness or suspension.

Asked whether it was key to get players back, as well as fresh faces in, the former England midfielder told the Daily Echo: “I think that’s clear. I’m ecstatic with what the young boys have done and I don’t want this to come across in any other way.

“Also, we understand that we probably just need a little more strength. That’s clear for everyone to see.

“The young lads that were on the pitch, around this football squad today were immense and did the football club proud – I am sure the fans that were here can recognise that.

“But I think it’s clear we probably just need some more back and some more in depth.”