CHERRIES midfielder Ben Whitfield looks set to leave Vitality Stadium during the transfer window – with Port Vale and Lincoln set to battle it out for his services.

The League Two rivals are both understood to have tabled offers for the 21-year-old, who enjoyed a fruitful loan spell with the Valiants during the first half of the season.

Whitfield, who joined Cherries from non-league Guiseley in 2014, netted three times in 23 appearances and helped them climb away from the relegation zone.

His loan ended following Vale’s 1-0 defeat at Notts County on New Year’s Day and the Potteries outfit are hopeful his stay will tip the balance in their favour.

Vale chief executive Colin Garlick told the Stoke Sentinel: “We have certainly enjoyed having him here and he has enjoyed being here.

“It fits and has been developing his career because he has been playing games. So, I am sure his parent club have been more than happy with that.

“They have been out to see him a few times and I think they have been more than satisfied with what we have contributed to his development, it has worked for everyone.”

Cherries are likely to demand a sizeable sell-on in any prospective deal for Whitfield who spent much of 2015-16 on loan to non-league Kidderminster before having his first taste of the Football League last season when he made 42 appearances for Yeovil.