JOHN Barton is chasing a Conference striker to bolster Worcester City's front line.

The St George's Lane manager, still bidding to complete his first transfer of the summer, believes his latest target would be an exciting acquisition if the deal comes off.

Barton already has four recognised strikers in Adam Webster, Stewart Hadley, Mark Owen and David Holmes but remains keen to boost his side's goalscoring threat.

"A situation has arisen with a Conference striker but whether we can sign him depends on the club being able to pull off a deal at their end," said Barton.

"If it happens for us it would be an exciting addition to the squad."

Barton has been frustrated to date in his attempts to add to his squad but remains keen to bring in a defender, midfielder and forward.

He is currently in talks with another Conference defender, while the club have also had a separate bid for a midfield player rejected after the two parties failed to reach agreement.

"We were way off in our respective valuations for the player," admitted Barton.

"As regards the other players it's the same story again and we just have to wait and see how things pan out, but we're busy behind the scenes trying to move things along."

Meanwhile, midfielder Pat Lyons has suffered a set-back in his recovery from surgery on his hip flexor muscle.

Lyons went under the knife in June but despite three weeks respite still has a niggling pain.

"He's in the same sort of pain he had prior to the operation and Pat has gone to see somebody else about it," said Barton.

"They are fairly certain they can cure the problem without further surgery. He's also got the option to see another specialist in Cambridge."

Meanwhile, City warm up for their pre-season trip to face Belgium Premier League side Beveren KSK with a trip to Tividale next Tuesday.