WORCESTER City are in talks to bring a highly-regarded 23-year-old defender to St George's Lane.

City player-manager Andy Preece and chairman Dave Boddy discussed terms with the centre-half yesterday and are hopeful of concluding the deal before the weekend.

Boddy said: "We are in talks with the defender and now waiting for his decision."

Worcester are short in defender numbers following the departure of Carl Heeley, who has now joined Nationwide North rivals Hinckley United on a one-year deal, and youngster Dan Parker.

Preece is making it his priority to clinch a talented centre-half and defensive midfielder before City return to pre-season training on July 1.