THE only official bid to buy Cherries has been withdrawn, the Echo understands.

The offer, which was believed to have been submitted by the group fronted by former director Adam Murry, was taken off the table last week, Echo sources have claimed.

Cherries co-owner Paul Baker refused to comment on any off-field matters when contacted by the Echo yesterday.

But the Chester-based businessman told the Echo on Friday that he was expecting two further bids for the club imminently.

“We’ve had confirmation we’ll receive bids,” he said at the time.

But the offers had not been received by 5.15pm on Friday and it remains unclear whether any fresh bids have materialised.

This latest set-back for Baker comes just 24 hours after the Echo told how some of the club’s players were exploring the possibility of invoking the 14-day notice rule – giving them the right to leave on a free transfer as they are still awaiting the outstanding balances from their April wages.

It is understood that Baker, in an attempt to prevent a player exodus, has asked the Professional Footballers’ Association – the players’ union – to temporarily help Cherries by providing a loan to cover the outstanding wages. He could also request a further loan to pay May’s salaries.

Baker, who arrived at Dean Court alongside Sport-6 business partner Alastair Saverimutto last summer, admitted his funds for the club had run dry in February.

And after Cherries secured their Football League status last month, Baker claimed seven parties had shown an interest in purchasing the club.

Of those, five are said to have returned confidentiality agreements.

Baker said on Friday that he hoped to make a decision on the club’s long-running takeover saga this week.