KIDDERMINSTER Harriers are keeping a close eye on transfer speculation surrounding their former hot-shot Lee Hughes.

Harriers would benefit from a major cash windfall if the highly-rated West Bromwich Albion star left the Hawthorns.

Recently the 25-year-old has been linked with Newcastle United, Everton and Birmingham City, sparking speculation that has not gone unnoticed by officials at Aggborough.

Hughes joined West Brom from Harriers for £380,000 in May 1997, with the deal including a 15 per cent sell-on clause.

The free-scoring striker is currently valued at around £5 million, although Albion are desperate to hold on to their prize asset whose current contract ends next year.

Aggborough boss Jan Molby, meanwhile, has denied rumours that he is interested in signing goalkeeper Mike Stowell, who was released by Wolverhampton Wanderers at the end of last season.

He said: "People have put two and two together and mentioned us and Shrewsbury because we are local clubs, but Mike Stowell will not be joining us."

Speculation over 36-year-old Stowell followed Molby's decision to release veteran keeper Tim Clarke at the end of last season.

Harriers still have two keepers on his books in Stuart Brock and Brendan Murphy.

Defender Steve Pope, who was released by Molby last season, is thinking over his future after attracting interest from a number of clubs.

Stevenage are believed to be leading the chase for the 24-year-old.