EVESHAM United playmaker Joe Turley is poised to take a “risk” and try to earn a deal at National League North outfit Gloucester City.

Turley who was a key player for United last season has been offered the chance to train with Gloucester this summer.

But Robins boss Carl Abbott insists the midfielder has “got Evesham at heart” and reckons “there is every chance he will stay” at the Southern League Division One South club.

“Joe has got an opportunity to do a pre-season with Gloucester,” Abbott said.

“He has got to decide whether he wants to go again at Evesham under an exciting new regime or chance his arm and get himself into a higher division.

“I totally understand why he is taking his time to mull that over.

“It is a great opportunity but it is also a risk as you are going to invest six weeks into a pre-season when you don’t know if there is anything at the end of it.

“That is the life of a top-level non-league player sometimes.”

Turley bounced back from an injury-hit 2017-18 campaign to feature 36 times and score five goals last term.

“Joe was far and away last season’s stand out player and there is a huge desire from within the club for him to stay,” Abbott continued.

“Joe knows that.

“He is massively regarded by the supporters and the chairman and I have come in and made it absolutely clear that there is no better midfield playmaker in the division than Joe.

“Do I want him in my side? Of course I do so he is being afforded the opportunity to think it through.

“Playing for Gloucester in the National League North is a big pull but I also think he has got Evesham at heart and there is every chance he will stay so we will see what the next seven days bring."

Abbott revealed he was also in talks with winger Joe Tumelty, defenders Liam Harding and Will Wellon and midfielder Nick Hancock over their Evesham futures.

“There is a good reason why we are in dialogue with a number of the lads,” Abbott said.

“It is not simply because they are reluctant to sign or anything like that.

“A few of them have had some exciting opportunities put in front of them.”