STUART Watkiss hopes to make winger Michael Blackwood his next Kidderminster Harriers summer signing in the next 48 hours.

The 25-year-old left-sided player, who can also play at full-back, is close to an agreement after his release from Lincoln City last season.

Birmingham-based Blackwood has plenty of local links, having played for Worcester City and Telford United as well as starting off at Aston Villa.

But Watkiss has also revealed his transfer market frustration following midfield target Jake Sedgemore's switch to Bury.

The Harriers boss also believed he had Sam Aiston within his sights before the Shrewsbury old boy was snapped up by Tranmere Rovers.

Watkiss admitted: "I am getting frustrated. To lose out at the last minute on those two players was a hammer blow.

"But we are close to an agreement with Blackwood and I have got another three or four in the pipeline. We are another eight players away.

"There may be one or two more experienced players coming in but I certainly need to try and get four or five younger ones to get the balance right."

One player in talks with Watkiss is talented right winger or forward Gareth Sheldon, 25, who can leave Exeter City.

Ex-Scunthorpe player Sheldon, an England National Game XI international, has a year left to run on his contract but wants a return to his Birmingham roots.

Watkiss has already added ex-Rochdale defenders Wayne Evans and Daryl Burgess who will bring vast experience to the squad along with veteran midfielder Martin O'Connor and young prospect Laurie Wilson from Burton.

And he is taking a look at four teenage trialists, including a former team-mate of Wayne Rooney.

Midfielder Stuart Bridges, released by Aston Villa, was in the England Under 17s set-up with the Manchester United maestro.

Now 19, Oxford-based Bridges is looking for a new club and has impressed the Harriers management with his technique.

Wide midfielder or forward Russ Penn, 19, has been recommended to the club after his release from Scunthorpe.

Penn hails from the Black Country as does Gavin Hurren, a tough-tackling centre-half of the same age who was on Nottingham Forest's books.

Big striker Ryan Moss is on trial from Bournemouth, where he made one appearance, and former Birmingham City youngster Liam Reynolds, a defender, will join training next week.