The only move Conor Chaplin can make to Bournemouth is for a day trip. So said Paul Cook as he played down interest in the striker six weeks before the transfer window opens.

The Cherries and Ipswich are among clubs said to be interested in signing Chaplin, with other Championship clubs also said to have shown an interest.

But speaking in his pre-Cheltenham press conference Cook was playing it cool over the youngster's future.

He told The News: ‘Is he going there on a day out? I didn’t think the transfer window was open. Ask me again in January.

‘There has always been interest in Conor, probably from well before I came here. ‘I am not aware of anything from Bournemouth going on. You’d expect interest in your good players, it would be unsettling if there was none. It’s part and parcel of football.’

Cook is predicting a tricky test for the Blues at Cheltenham, who are fresh from winning at Crewe in the FA Cup. Cook told the Pompey official website: 'Cheltenham are a strong side and will take great confidence from an excellent result on Tuesday night.

'If you watched them play at Crewe you’d have come away thinking there’s no reason why they can’t do well in League Two. Clubs get used to winning and they certainly had that feeling when they won promotion last season.

'They’ve acquitted themselves well at a higher level and we know that we’ll be in for a tough test this weekend. Gary Johnson’s done an excellent job there and is someone who’s been there, done it and knows the game. They’re well balanced, with the right people in the right areas. They’re physically strong, but have also got quality.'

Follow @Pompey_Fans

Click here to sign up for an account and reserve your username! You can then post on the Forum and add your comments to articles

Photo: Action Images

Portsmouth Polls