CHERRIES are expected to face stiff competition from Colchester United for the services of new fans' favourite Danny Hollands.

Hollands, who is pondering a new deal to stay at Dean Court, is also understood to have been offered terms by the Layer Road outfit.

A move to Essex would see Hollands make an instant return to League One following Colchester's relegation from the Championship and Cherries' demotion to League Two.

However, if he were to go and as he would not be entitled to a free transfer, the two clubs would have to agree a fee, otherwise it would be decided by a tribunal.

And sources close to the Daily Echo suggest Cherries have placed a price tag of around £120,000 on the 22-year-old's head.

Clinching Hollands's signature would be the final piece of the jigsaw for Cherries with the fate of their other seven out-of-contract players now known.

Darren Anderton and Marvin Bartley yesterday joined Shaun Cooper, Lee Bradbury, Brett Pitman and Ryan Garry in agreeing new terms with the club.

And defender Josh Gowling put the finishing touches to his free transfer move to Carlisle when he penned a two-year deal with the Cumbrians.

Speaking to the Daily Echo last night, Cherries boss Kevin Bond said: "We're talking to Danny and I just hope that he commits his future to us.

"I know there is interest from other clubs but I just hope he decides to stay. He hasn't indicated to me that he wants to leave.

"We rate him highly and have offered him a contract that reflects that."

Meanwhile, Cherries struck a pay-as-you-play deal with Anderton after he generously proposed the new terms in favour of signing a one-year contract.

Mindful of the fact he spent five months on the sidelines last season on full pay, Anderton put forward the suggestion to Cherries chairman Jeff Mostyn.

Fellow midfielder Bartley has agreed a new two-year deal, while Cherries have also moved to reward defender Jason Pearce with an improved two-year contract.

Boss Bond said: "It's great news and, as I've said all along, I was hopeful they would re-sign. It's slightly different with Jason because he was under contract anyway, but it's recognition of how well he has done. He's a wholehearted player and totally committed.

"We're looking forward to seeing Marvin progress further. I thought he did really well in the second half of last season after a stuttering start through injury.

"Darren is still a class act and I'm really pleased he's decided to stay. I'm delighted he's signed because he's a classy player."