Dorchester are facing stiff competition from Salisbury City for the signature of teenage striker Matt Tubbs.

After scoring in two friendlies for the Magpies, the former Cherries youth teamer was offered a contract by the newly-promoted club.

But last night the Bolton Wanderers scholar made his second appearance for Salisbury against Bristol City and the Eastern Division club are also keen to sign him.

In the end it could come down to which club is prepared to sign Tubbs - who is still officially on the staff at the Reebok Stadium where he is two-thirds of the way through a three-year scholarship - on a non-contract basis.

The Verwood-based youngster has been training with AFC Bournemouth since February after returning to his hometown club in a work experience loan from Bolton.

But having been told he will not be handed a contract with the Trotters next summer, Tubbs is free to

listen to offers.

However if he were to sign a contract at another club, he would sever his links with the Cherries.

But if a non-contract arrangement could be agreed, the striker could continue training with Sean O'Driscoll's squad and play in the reserves.

Tubbs is still keen to make the grade as a pro and O'Driscoll believes that remains a possibility.

He said: "Matt's still getting paid by Bolton, we're not in a position to offer him a contract, he wants to stay down south and he wants to leave the door open for professional football.

"If both clubs want to sign him on a contract, sooner or later it may be he needs to earn more money and get a job.

"But if I were in his shoes I'd be doing exactly the same. It's worth giving it six months and having the best of both worlds."

Magpies boss Mark Morris said he had done as much as he could to persuade Tubbs to come to the Avenue Stadium.

"I would like him to sign a contract but I would also be prepared to take him on a non-contract basis if that is what he wants," said Morris today.

Dorchester chairman Eddie Belt, who had hoped to announce the signing of Tubbs at tonight's Fans' Forum at the Avenue Stadium, admitted today that the situation was complicated.

"Bournemouth did much the same thing with Justin Keeler before deciding they didn't want him," he said. "I can understand what they are up to because while they can't afford to sign everyone on contract they want as many players for their reserves.

"I didn't think it was going to be easy to get a player of Matt's ability - but we are still hopeful of coming to an arrangement with him."