Bournemouth boss targeting Norwich and Crystal Palace strikers
Lewis Grabban was left out of the Norwich squad for Tuesday's League Cup victory at Rotherham
BOURNEMOUTH boss Eddie Howe is still pursuing deals for Lewis Grabban and Glenn Murray before the transfer window closes.
 
Howe has had a £5million bid for Crystal Palace ace Murray rejected and has also seen three offers for former Cherries striker Grabban turned down by Norwich.
"We are trying to add to the squad but the numbers have to be right and the players have to be available," said Howe.
"There is not just one thing we're waiting on to complete a transfer. Sometimes there are a whole host of other transfers that need to be completed."
Grabban missed Tuesday's League Cup victory at Rotherham and Norwich boss Alex Neil refused to say if the 27-year-old had been given permission to skip the game.
 
Bournemouth boss targeting Norwich and Crystal Palace strikers
Glenn Murray is also a target for Bournemouth boss Eddie Howe
"We have rejected three bids from Bournemouth so far and the bids that we have are nowhere near the valuation of the player," he said.
"Until they get to an acceptable level, Lewis Grabban will remain a Norwich City player. That is where we stand.
"I don't have any issue with any players. He might have an issue but I will quickly fix it.
"Regardless of what happens or what rumours are flying about or what others might say or do, that will have absolutely no bearing on what happens with Lewis Grabban or any player at this club.
 
"Every player has got their price but it has to be our valuation, not what they think."
Neil may change his position if he brings in a new striker, but he had a third bid of around £10m for Benik Afobe turned down by Wolves yesterday. The 22-year-old has been one of English football's most prolific goalscorers over the last 12 months with 32 goals last season for MK Dons and Wolves, and only moved to Molineux in January for £2 million from Arsenal.
Afobe was left out of Tuesday's 2-1 Capital One Cup win over Barnet and afterwards manager Kenny Jackett insisted the forward was going nowhere before next week's transfer deadline.
"There is an enormous amount of speculation but he won't be leaving. There are big things at stake and it is not just about one player," said Jackett.
"We are looking at the whole picture, the amount of time left in the window, the overall prices. There is so much to consider and everything points towards not letting anyone go."
 
Neil also recently had an offer turned down for Stoke forward Jon Walters, and refused to be drawn on speculation surrounding forward Gary Hooper, who has been linked with a loan move to Sheffield Wednesday.
"There is nothing to be commented on it until it is concrete," said Neil.
"The one thing you can guarantee is we will do things in Norwich City's best interests. We are doing some work behind the scenes and we still have a week to go and it is going to be a hectic week."
Howe is similarly busy as he tries to see off competition from Everton and bring in Napoli midfielder Jonathan de Guzman on loan.
He added: "As much as I would like to add to the squad, I am not losing any sleep over it. We have a good squad and a nice balance."

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