MIDFIELD targets Chris Holland and Dean Bennett have both slipped out of Kidderminster Harriers boss Stuart Watkiss' grasp.

Boston United are now not willing to let ex-Newcastle United and Birmingham City starlet Holland go, while Wrexham have also insisted 26-year-old Bennett is in their future plans.

Watkiss is believed to have enquired about the duo but must look elsewhere to bolster Harriers squad for Saturday's crucial Coca-Cola League Two basement game with Oxford United.

Playmaker Holland, 29, was transfer-listed two months ago but has started every game since a first-team recall in November.

Boston manager Steve Evans now considers him a key player, especially after a move for another midfielder was scuppered due to an injury.

Evans said: "We've had several enquiries for Chris and, at the moment, I have no desire to let him go at all."

There was talk of Bennett making a return to Aggborough less than seven months after leaving but, following a hernia operation, he is in Denis Smith's first-team plans at cash-strapped Wrexham who were recently plunged into administration.

Watkiss will not sit still on the transfer front, especially with midfielder or right-back Lee Jenkins facing a three-match ban for his red card in the 2-0 weekend defeat at Macclesfield Town.

The players watched the video of Saturday's defeat as Harriers try to make up a four-point gap on Rushden and Diamonds who parted company with boss Ernie Tippett yesterday.

But there is good news surrounding Kidderminster striker Iyseden Christie who should be back in full training within two weeks.

There were fears another infection from an operation on his broken foot could hinder him further.

Harriers' last signing, midfielder John McGrath, scored the only goal in a reserve Central Conference League win at Bromsgrove Rovers last night.

Other first teamers involved were Chris Beardsley, Ian Foster, Dave Morrison, Abdou Sall, Steve Burton, Jamie Gleeson and 'keeper Danny Lewis.