SCOTT Parker revealed that Steve Cook would not feature against Cardiff City tomorrow, but also admitted that the centre-back's departure was not set in stone.

The Cherries stalwart has been on the fringes of Parker’s squad since the former Fulham boss arrived on the south coast, leaving many to speculate over his future.

After the match with QPR, Parker confirmed rumours that there were teams interested in the Cherries legend, with a January exit on the cards as the Dorset club look to receive a fee before Cook leaves when his contract expires in the summer.

Out of his 387 games for the club, Cook has only made four appearances from a possible 26 games under Parker.

Asked if Cook was an option to face Cardiff, Parker told the Daily Echo: “He’s not with us.

“It’s still the same situation with Steve, what I said after the game (against QPR) has not changed.

“We’re in regular dialogue with Steve, spoke to him today.

“That’ll stay the same at this present moment in time.

“Steve and myself feel that the best situation for him is where it currently is.

“We wouldn’t want to put him in any uncompromising positions in any way.

“I understand his situation and I’m very respectful of that, and I am respectful of Steve as well.”

It appears that Cherries – or Cook himself - want the club captain to avoid picking up an injury ahead of the January transfer window. Despite freezing Cook out of the squad, Parker hinted at a possible way back for the defender – but did not go into detail whether he meant until the end of the campaign, or longer term.

“Look, at this present moment in time this is the best situation,” Parker continued. “Would that change, can it change? Of course it can. But at this moment, this is where it is.”

Clubs reportedly interested in the 30-year-old are Championship rivals QPR and Nottingham Forest, whilst Premier League sides Watford and Eddie Howe’s Newcastle have also been linked.