Source: Bournemouth_Echo
Cherries: Bradbury chasing Gregory and new centre-half
BOSS Lee Bradbury could secure Cherries' first summer signings this week after launching bids for AFC Wimbledon midfielder Steven Gregory and a mystery Championship centre-half, believed to be Crystal Palace's Adam Barrett.[LNB] The Cherries manager edged closer to bolstering his squad by submitting a series of offers for his key close-season transfer targets in recent days.[LNB] Bradbury is aiming to imminently reap the benefits of his player search as he prepares to open talks with potential recruits.[LNB] He confirmed that he had moved swiftly in his attempts to replace Jason Pearce by agreeing a fee for an un-named central defender from the second tier, which the Echo understands is Barrett.[LNB] Bradbury is also keen to secure the services of Gregory as he tries to fill the void left by Danny Hollands's move to Charlton Athletic.[LNB] However, he will have to wait to discover whether he will get the green light to discuss terms with Gregory as AFC Wimbledon have yet to accept a bid.[LNB] The League Two newcomers rejected an initial offer, believed to be in the region of £40,000, and labelled it a long way below their valuation of the former Wycombe Wanderers man.[LNB] But Cherries increased the offer and expect to get a response today. Bradbury is keen to get the deal done and believes the athletic midfielder would be a quality addition.[LNB] He told the Daily Echo: I have spoken to a lot of people I respect on the non-league circuit, and in League Two, and everyone has got nothing but good things to say about him.[LNB] I think he has got interest from other clubs as well so we are looking to secure his services as soon as possible before those other clubs try to snatch him.[LNB] A central defender is Bradbury's other priority signing, particularly after Pearce rejoined Portsmouth on Friday for a reported £300,000.[LNB] Chairman Eddie Mitchell yesterday confirmed Bradbury had money to spend on replacements. The Cherries manager was keen not to disclose the identity of his target but said: We have lost Pearcey so that is one of the major things I'm looking at.[LNB] We have agreed a bid with another club for a centre-half from the Championship. We have got talks with him in the next couple of days.[LNB] Meanwhile, Cherries look set to miss out on signing Ben Williamson.[LNB] The rookie striker spent the final five months of last season at Dean Court and was offered a new contract by Cherries. But he is set to join Port Vale.[LNB] It is a shame because he is a good player and I think he has a lot of potential, added Bradbury.[LNB] But I couldn't guarantee him first-team football with the quality of strikers we've got in the squad.[LNB] I couldn't promise that he'd be playing every week and I think he will be doing that at Port Vale.[LNB]
