Hastings join race for striker

The Pilot Field club have spoken and written to their Sussex rivals about acquiring the 22-year-old who has hit nine goals in all competitions this season to add to the 27 he smashed last year.

Tonbridge Angels have already put in a bid for the hitman but Hastings are willing to top any offer from the Kent club. Eastbourne Borough and Folkestone Invicta are also waiting in the wings.

Burgess Hill, who have slashed their wage bill by two thirds prompting the departure of several experienced players, are reported to want 5,000 for Harper, but a fee in the region of 1,500 to 3,000 is considered more realistic

Hastings director Dave Walters said: "He's on contract so we would have to pay money for him. There are a lot of people interested and an offer has gone in from Tonbridge. What we have said to Burgess Hill is we are prepared to offer more than Tonbridge but they haven't responded. It may be they don't want to sell to us because we are in the same league."

Burgess Hill manager Gary Croydon believes Harper is on the verge of big things and would be reluctant to let him go but it looks like the drastic cost-cutting could force the board's hand.

Hastings' involvement represents an up-turn in fortune for the club because it's been some time since they last paid any money for a player - and a goalscorer like Harper would be a welcome addition to a team that converts nowhere near enough of its chances. "People who regularly stick the ball in the back of the net are very hard to come by," said Hastings manager Steve Lovell.