HEAD coach Paul James admitted it would be “quite difficult” for Worcester Wolves to keep hold of Great Britain international Robert Gilchrist.

But he insisted contract talks were “ongoing” with his players and was hopeful of making “some significant moves” over the next few weeks.

Gilchrist joined Wolves on a month-long deal in December before committing until the end of the British Basketball League season.

The 27-year-old forward has made a big impression at both ends of the court for Worcester as he registered 2.5 blocks and 12.89 points per game.

His performances for Wolves also saw him earn a place in England’s squad for this year’s Commonwealth Games in Australia.

“Rob has done a good job since he has come in,” James said.

“He is a Great Britain player and went to the Commonwealth Games with England so he has done some good things whilst he has been with us.

“Hopefully he can continue to play as well as he has been doing.”

But when asked whether he was optimistic of retaining the services of Gilchrist, James said: “I think it might be quite difficult with someone like him.

“Obviously he was sat around for a period of time at the start of the season before he decided to come to us.

“He is probably one of those players who is looking to go elsewhere in Europe, so we will wait and see. You can never say never.”

James has undergone summer rebuilding jobs in the past few years with only Alex Navajas, Jermel Kennedy and Ashton Khan agreeing to stay put ahead of the 2017-18 campaign.

But having started negotiations in February Wolves boss said he was “down the line” with some of his players as he bids to keep them at the University of Worcester Arena.

Worcester finished the past season in seventh position and reached the BBL Cup final, losing to Cheshire Phoenix at the Arena Birmingham in January.

“Talks are ongoing and we are hoping that we can make some significant moves over the next few weeks,” James said.

“There are some questions still be asked with one or two of them which they need to sort out in their mind.

“Some of them said they want to explore other avenues and that’s their right.

“If you come in and you are successful you may look to try to go to another level now because you have shown you have done it at this level and your stats reflect that.

“But we are hoping that we can keep some of the players here and be bigger and better next season.”