JAN Molby's chances of landing Richard Walker could go up a notch if Northampton pull out of the race to sign the striker.

Walker, who hails from the Birmingham area and started out with Aston Villa, has been touted as one of Molby's main targets to strengthen his attack.

Northampton seemed to be in the running for the 26-year-old free agent after a productive loan spell of eight goals in 19 games, including six in the last seven.

But Marc Richards' form and Eric Sabin's signing could leave them looking at different types of players to bolster their attack.

Walker is seen as a leader of the line rather than a quick player though his clever runs can take him into goal-scoring positions.

The 6ft forward, signed by Blackpool for £50,000 in 2001 from Villa, where he scored twice in the Premiership, ended the season at Oxford but was released after no goals in seven games.

Harriers director of football Molby has also been linked with Grimsby's out-of-contract front man Phil Jevons who he signed on loan for Hull.

Pacey Jevons, who can also play on the left wing, is 24 though which would mean a fee involved, probably ruling Harriers out, if his club offer him a new deal.

The ex-Everton youngster scored 13 goals last season for Grimsby who are currently without a manager after being relegated to Division Three.

Harriers assistant boss Gary Barnett was not revealing any of the names on their striker hit list.

But, of Walker and Jevons, Barnett admitted: "These are the types of quality players we are trying to attract.

"We had Jevons at Hull on loan and he did OK for us up there."

Harriers are monitoring the future of former player Ian Foster who seems set to leave Chester.