A DRAMATIC transfer twist is threatening to throw Worcester Wolves' preparations for tonight's must-win England Basketball League Division One clash at Kingston Wildcats into turmoil.

Victory against the league's basement boys is paramount for Wolves tonight (7.30pm) as they are without a win since early December after losing their last two league games against Solent Stars and Reading Rockets.

Wolves had hoped to include new signing Matt Collins who was forced to sit out last week's 103-101 reverse at Solent after Coventry Crusaders refused to release him.

The University College Worcester side believed the situation had finally been resolved this week to the extent of working Thursday's training session around the point guard.

But Coventry have dropped an 11th hour bombshell by demanding a transfer fee for the 29-year-old and accusing Worcester of an illegal approach.

Incensed Wolves chiefs, who deny the claims, have now asked England Basketball officials to step in.

Worcester have asked for an executive decision before tip-off instead of waiting until next week's management committee meeting, which would cost Collins another start.

Director of basketball Mick Donovan said the forms had been signed in accordance with England Basketball guidelines and that Coventry were just stalling on the deal, adding their fee request was substantial for England Basketball."

He said: "Everything we are supposed to have done we have done. Now they have turned round and say they want a transfer fee.

"They have accused us of an illegal approach on the player but the player contacted us to see if he could come and play for Worcester Wolves.

"If there's a contract then he has to abide by the contract but there's no contract so the player is free to go when he wants."

Wolves are eight points and five places better off than Kingston, who they beat 90-77 earlier in the season.