James Constable rejected the chance to join League One side Bournemouth on transfer deadline day.

The Oxford United striker travelled south to hold talks with the Cherries yesterday, but the two parties could not reach an agreement over a permanent deal.

I understand that Bournemouth, who are managed by former Oxford striker Lee Bradbury, made a substantial bid for Constable, pictured, and that United allowed their leading scorer to hold discussions.

However, no deal could be struck and the talismanic striker will now remain at Oxford.

Constable has been the subject of intense speculation, with Blue Square Bet Premier side Luton having a bid rejected last month and Swindon boss Paolo Di Canio suggesting that he wanted to sign the player.

And that talk appears to have alerted other clubs that they might be able to lure Constable, who has scored 72 career goals for United in just 132 starts, away from the club.

The former Shrewsbury striker reiterated his desire to remain at Oxford only a week ago, saying: “I signed a three-year deal to stay here and don’t plan to leave just six months into that.”

However, the lure of a better financial package and a chance to test himself at a higher level has to tempt any player.

Equally, if a club is to offer United substantial money for any of their squad, they would have to consider doing a deal, and leaving the final decision to the player.

Having said that, Constable has been the heartbeat behind the club’s success under boss Chris Wilder, and is worshipped by the supporters.

Letting him move away from the Kassam Stadium would be regarded as a gamble.

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