SPECULATION is well underway about the future of Kidderminster Harriers' player of the year Craig Hinton.

The 23-year-old former Birmingham City defender has not surprisingly caught the eye of scouts from the higher divisions after a string of fine displays last season.

But Hinton, who mainly played centre-back but can also operate at right-back or in midfield, still has three years left on his contract.

And Harriers will be asking for a substantial fee and sell-on clause to tempt their hot property away.

Reports have linked Hinton with his former club Birmingham, David Platt's Nottingham Forest and Scottish side Aberdeen.

But a weekend national newspaper story declaring Black Country boys Wolverhampton Wanderers had lodged a £1m bid was wide of the mark.

Harriers boss Jan Molby and his assistant Gary Barnett are still away on holiday so there will be no developments. Hinton is fighting for fitness after an operation on a groin problem.

But chairman Lionel Newton said: "A lot of clubs have been watching him closely - he's had a tremendous season. I'm just waiting for the first offer."

Hinton, who has impressed at Harriers with his professional approach, remains unfazed, saying: "You always hear rumours and gossip but you don't have to listen to them.

"It's flattering in a way and I am ambitious to play higher but my priority is Kidderminster Harriers and getting fit."

Meanwhile, Molby target, free-scoring midfielder Paul Sheerin, looks set to join Ayr United on a Bosman free transfer move from Inverness.

And Harriers could still land a big cash windfall if former star Lee Hughes leaves West Bromwich Albion.

But Albion boss Gary Megson is keen for Hughes, who has been linked with various Premiership clubs, to sign a longer contract.