THE relocation of Worcester City Football Club has taken another turn after owners of the club's preferred site said they would listen to offers from other parties.

A sign has been erected at Nunnery Way encouraging interested groups to make enquiries to estate agents.

The land has been the focus for a potential move from St George's Lane for years, but discussions between the owner and club have not led to any deal being signed.

But City officials told the Evening News that the new development "made no difference" as the site has been allocated for use as a sports stadium by the city council.

"It is still down as a football club in the Local Plan and if anyone buys it, as it stands at the moment they have got to be talking to the council," said director Brian Lancaster.

Guy Price, from London estate agents Cushman and Wakefield, denied the introduction of the sign meant City had been ruled out as buyers.

But the fact it has been allocated for use as a football ground did not prevent developers purchasing it for "land bank" value, allowing them to use it in years to come.

"We might well reach an agreement with the football club. It is one of a number of parties interested in the site," he said.

"Clearly it is a very, very prominent and accessible location which appeals to a whole range of different parties and it would be wrong to ignore other interests.

"It's not necessarily for sale, though if they get the right offer they would probably sell."

Mr Lancaster said Nunnery Way remained the "preferred option" of three sites being looked at, with hopes of "positive news" by the end of May.

He declined to reveal the identity of the two other sites, although the city council is promoting the case for the disused 23-acre Tolladine goods yard, in Tolladine Road.

Meanwhile an "exclusivity" contract over the potential sale of the current St George's Lane home has been signed.

An unnamed housing developer now has until the spring to take up an option to buy the ground.