AMBITIOUS Redditch United are already planning for life after a possible promotion ... by closing in on highly-rated striker Scott Voice.

Coach Gary Whild has confirmed that United are in talks to bring the 27-year-old frontman to The Valley from Dr Martens Premier Division outfit Hinckley.

The former Hereford United man, who signed for Hinckley from Kidderminster Harriers, has fallen out of favour at his current club and is interested in making his mark with the Dr Martens Western League leaders.

"He's a prolific goalscorer," said Whild. "Some people may say we have enough strikers at the club but when a player of his quality becomes available, you just can't ignore the situation.

"In a way, we would be buying him with one eye on next season too.

"If you can get better than you've already got then you sign him because he's just the type of player we'll need here if we're hopefully playing at a higher level next season."

It's understood that Reds chairman Pat Cremin is prepared to pay a club record fee for Voice - making him a rare contract player - if the deal can be finalised.

It would be United's fifth signing in as many weeks with Mark Shepherd, Robbie Sawyer, Gary Schareywcz and ex-Moor Green midfielder Craig Woodley all snapped up by boss Rod Brown.

Whild added: "We're in a strong position at the moment and it's a case of utilising that. It's so much easier to attract players to the club when you're on top. We saw that with Craig Woodley recently and hopefully Scott will follow him.

"It would mean we have then got eight or nine players with real experience at playing at a higher level which we'll need if we step up a division. It's no good getting promoted and then looking for these types of players. We feel that the time to act is now and continue building for the future."

Meanwhile, ex-Birmingham City striker Kevin Francis is still training with Redditch as he battles to recover from a knee injury with Whild confirming that no deal has been done to make him a United player.

"At the moment, Kevin is just training with us so we haven't promised him anything and he hasn't promised us anything. He lives locally and just wants to get fit again."

Former England and Wolves striker Steve Bull will be a special guest speaker at The Valley Stadium tomorrow (Thursday) from 7.30pm. For tickets call club chairman Pat Cremin on 07752 559133.