WORCESTER City chairman Dave Boddy insists that they have not received a fresh bid for skipper Chris Smith from Blue Square North rivals AFC Telford United.

Reports in Shropshire, however, says that the New Bucks Head outfit have made an offer that is "considerably more" than the £1,500 that was rejected as derisory last week, although it is believes to be some way short of the five-figure valuation the St George's Lane club have of the 26-year-old central defender, whose contract expires in the summer.

Boddy says that he has spoken to his counterpart Lee Carter since Telford made their bid last week but insists the Smith matter did not arise.

"We have spoken but it was not on a football basis," Boddy said. "We have not had a fresh bid from them for Chris, although there are press reports to say that they will be coming back, we'll just have to wait and see."

Worcester announced last Thursday that they had rejected a bid from the Bucks for their skipper, and although the Shropshire outfit are adamant that they have made a fresh approach but will not release details of the deal.

"We are not going to release any figures because we don't think that is very professional," Carter said.

City boss Richard Dryden is determined to keep hold of the former Leeds United trainee, who is currently out with an ankle injury.

"I haven't see anyone better in this league than Chris and if Telford do make a new bid hopefully the chairman will reject it," Dryden said.

"The chairman knows that Chris is a big part of my plans."