LIONEL Ainsworth may have left Edgar Street in November, but the talented winger is still a Hereford United player for the time being.

When the former Derby County man left for Coca-Cola Championship high flyers Watford, his move to the Hornets was set to break the Bulls' transfer record.

And with the transfer window now well and truly open, Hereford chief Graham Turner is expecting the move to be sealed shortly.

Despite Ainsworth's short spell at Edgar Street, he only joined the club in the summer following his release from Pride Park, the 19-year-old is expected to fetch more than £200,000.

And for Turner, who is also the Hereford chairman, that money is very well welcome given he wants to strengthen his promotion-chasing squad.

"The Lionel Ainsworth transfer should be sorted out any day now," Turner said.

"We are also talking to other clubs about bringing players in.

"We have been a bit stretched lately and although we have coped very well we do need two or three new faces.

"But the main thing is that the players who do come here have to be right for the club and improve the squad.

"We have a shortlist that we are actively pursuing."

Turner has also extended the contracts of youngsters Sam Gwynne, Jordan Fitzpatrick and Marcus Palmer until the end of the season this week.

The trio saw their initial deals expire on December 31, but the Bulls chief has been suitably impressed with the youngsters to keep them at Edgar Street until the end of the campaign.

"They are all making good progress," Turner said. "They are a little inexperienced but they are working hard."