ANDY Preece admits the breakdown of Christian Moore's proposed move rules out the possibility of a third summer signing at Worcester City.

Experienced striker Moore was expected to complete his switch to a rival Nationwide North club earlier this week and loosen funds for Preece.

But although transfer-listed Moore had agreed personal terms and passed a medical, the mystery suitor pulled out of the deal to sign the 32-year-old on a permanent basis.

Player-manager Preece has now shelved plans to add to his captures of defender Chris Smith and veteran midfielder Graham Hyde.

"I can't really see any more players coming in," said Preece. "As it stands now, we are as we are unless things change financially.

"The only reason Christian was placed on the transfer list was to free up funds.

"There was no other reason than that, to free up some money to bring somebody else in."

Moore was offered a pre-season trial from the interested club as they held concerns over his right knee, which required surgery after he ruptured anterior cruciate ligaments last September.

But Worcester rejected the proposal and Preece is now determined to work with the former Telford United forward.

Preece added: "As far as I'm concerned, he's going to be a Worcester City player and he needs to be playing. It's obviously a concern when somebody has had an operation, but he played for us at the end of last season and proved he's fit and ready to go for the pre-season games.

"There's no problem for me over his knee. He's fit, he got the all-clear from the surgeon and he's worked hard over the last six months during his rehabilitation.

"At the moment, he is still on the transfer list, but as things go on that may change. There's still an interest in Christian and we will monitor the situation. If he stays, hopefully he will play a big part and have a bit more luck."