THE bitter rivalry between Stourport Swifts and Redditch United looks set to be rekindled in the summer with a tug-of-war over Alex Cowley.

Halesowen Town will not be signing the talented young winger and he has now emerged as one of Redditch's top targets after rejecting a new deal at Swifts.

But cash-strapped Redditch have already had one 'derisory' offer turned down for Cowley who commands a transfer fee as he is under 24 years old.

Swifts boss Tim Langford believes the rest of his squad are committed to the club with Asa Charlton and Dave Davies agreeing new 12-month contracts.

However, Redditch are proving a thorn in the side after a host of players followed ex-boss Rod Brown to the Valley Stadium.

Langford confirmed: "Alex is contracted to us, he is 19 and has got a lot of potential.

"We want him to stay at Stourport and we think he is worth a bit. Another club have also shown interest in him but we have had no written offer from them.

"Redditch have made one which I would say was derisory. It's up to them to come up with a reasonable offer. We will see how bad they want him.

"I'm disappointed as I've done my best to get Alex a move to a higher standard where I believe he can play.

"The reward I get is that he wants to leave. But then I don't want players at the club who don't want to play for us.

"He has made his intentions clear, he wants to do pre-season at Redditch, but until a fee is agreed he won't be able to play at all for them."

Langford has been busy chasing new signings, especially goal-scorers, but has found players are keeping their options open.

But Davies, voted Swifts' player of the season with assistant boss Jan Mulders players' player, is to stay along with Charlton.

The Swifts manager added: "Asa wants to play on a regular basis and feels he can do that at Stourport. Both of them have been part of our defence which has been the key to our success."

Swifts have arranged home friendlies with Stourbridge, Worcester City and Halesowen Town on July 29, August 6 and August 9.

They have been invited to a mini-tournament at Banbury on the weekend of August 3 and 4.

Langford also hopes to arrange at least one more game with potential opponents Boldmere, Hednesford Town or Telford United.