ROCHDALE have made a bid for Harriers top scorer Iyseden Christie, potentially triggering a flurry of transfer activity at Aggborough.

Wayne Hatswell is also on the verge of returning to the Football League with a move to Rushden and Diamonds.

The left-sided defender will sign for an undisclosed fee, subject to passing a medical.

Dale boss Steve Parkin is a long time admirer of Christie having worked with him at Mansfield in the late 1990s.

And the Spotland club have made known their interest in the 13-goal striker by lodging a firm bid this week.

Rochdale have tested the water with the offer of a transfer fee for one of Harriers' biggest earners who still has five months of his contract left. But their bid is some way short of what Harriers want.

Rochdale, who also have former Harriers striker Blair Sturrock on their books, recently banked a reported £300,000 from the sale of Grant Holt to Nottingham Forest.

They splashed out £25,000 of that almost immediately to recruit young attacking prospect Chris Dagnall from Tranmere.

Harriers boss Mark Yates confirmed speculation in Lancashire that a deal for Christie could be in the offing.

"There is a deal on the table for Iyseden from Rochdale but we haven't given them permission to speak to him yet , " he said.

"I f we can get an adequate replacement we are happy with and Rochdale match what we want we might take it further.

"But as I've said before I'm not prepared to let my better players leave unless it suits us."

If Christie does leave it could spark a major transfer scramble at Harriers with Yates already closing in on several targets.

He has lined up a loan deal for a centre forward from a "much higher club" and hopes to complete it ahead of Saturday's Conference clash with Scarborough.

New defender Jonny Harkness, a left back or left-sided central defender, should be in the squad for that game after signing on a one-month contract.

The 20-year-old former Northern Ireland under-19 international has been on a week's trial at Harriers after being released by Walsall.

He impressed in the behind-closed-doors friendly 2-2 draw at Hereford on Monday.

Meanwhile, York have yet to follow up their interest in Kidderminster captain Mark Jackson with a serious bid, although boss Billy McEwan was present at last Saturday's FA Trophy defeat to Grays.

Meanwhile, Harriers have a clean bill of health for Saturday's six-pointer which is closely followed by Tuesday's trip to Carlisle United in the LDV Vans Trophy northern area semi final.

"I know Harriers won the last match against Scarborough quite comfortably," said Yates.

"But they're a different side now because Neil Redfearn has made one or two decent additions to improve them.

"It's a game we'll be looking to win but it won't be easy.

"The Carlisle game is a massive one for us and will be a welcome distraction from the league.

"It's a great opportunity for the lads but we're not under-estimating how tough a task it is.

"They're absolutely flying and I can't think we could have had a harder tie than Carlisle away.

"But we'll go there determined to put on a good performance and have a good crack at winning."

l KHIST are running an 89-seater executive coach to the LDV Vans Trophy northern area semi final at Carlisle United on Tuesday, January 24.

The cost will be £13 adults and £10 concessions. Phone Dave Weaver on 01562 515235 for further details.

Sponsored by topbalcony.com, the coach will pick up at 1.50pm at Jacksons and 2pm at Aggborough.