FORMER Premier League striker Lee Hughes is among six Worcester City players to agree to stay at the club next season.

Captain Danny Jackman, Kyle Perry, Connor Gater, Jamie Smith and Dean Waldron have also pledged their futures to Worcester as they look build towards the 2016/17 Vanarama National League North campaign.

The news comes after manager Carl Heeley held discussions with most of his squad on Monday in a bid to get “the core” of his team to commit.

An offer has also been made to Tristian Dunkley, but the winger has requested "a couple of days for deliberation".

Full-back Tyler Weir was the first City player to pen a new contract, while centre-back Graham Hutchison will re-join the Blue and Whites in the summer.

Experienced keeper Nathan Vaughan looks set to join Solihull Moors, but the capture of Hughes for another campaign will be a huge boost for Worcester.

The 39-year-old, who has previously played for West Bromwich Albion and Coventry City, netted 18 times in 34 appearances and his goals towards the end of the season proved crucial in City’s bid to avoid the drop.

Due to holiday and work commitments, Heeley said not all of his players were present on Monday and insisted talks would continue over the next couple of weeks.

"Discussions are ongoing with a number of new recruits that we'd like to bring to the club too." said Heeley.

"I don't want to keep having to rebuild the squad every summer, so keeping the core of the team and building around that with new players that compliment will keep us moving forward."