JOHN Barton insists there is no need to panic despite Worcester City's failure to sign any new players so far this summer.

The St George's Lane manager's latest attempt to bolster his squad has seen him meet with a Conference defender who is weighing up offers from three other clubs.

Barton is also on the trail of a Conference striker after an earlier bid to sign Moor Green hot-shot Jae Martin was thwarted when the Birmingham club offered the striker an improved deal.

Efforts to capture Gresley Rovers left-back Gary White and Burton Albion defender Paul Talbot also came to nothing. There was a travelling problem for White, while Talbot went to Queen of the South.

"I spoke to the Conference defender last night and he's got three offers to consider, but what we've got appeals to him and he's agreed to come and play one of our pre-season friendlies," said Barton.

"Negotiations for three or four players will continue while I'm away, and I'm contactable, so that side of things won't stop.

"I'm not worried by the fact we have no new faces yet, but it has been one of the most frustrating close seasons, compounded by the fact many of our targets are contracted to clubs.

"But it's up to us to prise them out. We've never been short of players coming here in the past. It's a bit of a barren spell at the moment but it's about keeping your nerve and not panicking.

"Everybody likes to see new players, myself and the current players are no different, but it's not been possible to date. However, it's not as if we've been sitting in the back garden soaking up the sun doing nothing. I think I've had one week off since the season ended."

City embark on pre-season training tonight but will be without Pat Lyons and David Holmes, who are recovering from surgery, while Darren Middleton, Danny McDonnell and Adam Webster all have work or holiday commitments.

Meanwhile, Barton is set to give reserve team goalkeeper Shaun Hayes the chance to prove himself as the number two to McDonnell.

n City are offering a special discount ticket for the friendlies against Coventry City, QPR, WBA and Wolves. Admission will cost £24 adults, £15 senior citizens and £10 children under 16.