DAVE Worthington, manager of Redditch-based superbikes team Magnum Motorsport has admitted he was lining up a deal to recruit David Jefferies, the biker killed in the Isle of Man TT last week.

Worthington's team paid the entrance fee for the former National Superstocks Championship hopeful at the start of the season before hitting contractual difficulties with new rider Gary May.

But the team boss, despite recent denials in the press, has admitted he was hoping to join forces with the 30-year-old Yorkshireman after the infamous TT event which claimed his life.

Worthington paid tribute to the Isle of Man ace after learning of his death from a sponsor.

Worthington said he had no plans to look for an alternative recruit with lead rider Kelvin Reilly still in plaster after breaking a bone in his hand.

Reilly wants to make a quicker-than-expected return to Superstocks in the next round at Brands Hatch in three weeks time.

He has been advised against cutting through the plaster by medics and has been told he will have to prove himself in testing at Mallory Park before Worthington will risk him.