Last Updated: Fri, 07 Sep 2012 12:25
Nigel Adkins is reportedly looking to entice 17-year-old prospect Harry Cornick to Southampton from local non-league side Christchurch.
The Saints boss has been alerted to the youngster by his scouts who have watched him play for the Sydenhams Premier Division outfit this season.
However, if Adkins wants to make a concrete effort to get the winger in the youth ranks at St Mary's he will face competition from several non-league sides, while Bournemouth and Premier League rivals Stoke City have also been monitoring his progress.
Christchurch boss Graham Kemp has confirmed the interest but claims Cornick is in no rush to make a decision because he wants to weigh up all of his options as he is not on a contract.
And, while Cornick would not cost anything, Kemp is hopeful that whichever club does eventually take him on will offer them a sweetener.
Kemp told the Daily Echo: "Stoke have had him watched, AFC Bournemouth have invited him to go to their development academy and Saints have been in touch to say they are going to watch him over the next two weeks to see what they think of him.
"There is a high level of interest.
"The one thing we are very concerned about is that everybody will want to make a buck out of him.
"When you are hot property, you are hot property.
"He doesn't get paid for us and is on non-contract terms.
"He realises his best option is to be a non-contract player because he is then free to make his own choices.
"The fact is we would like to get a friendly out of whatever happens - if he decides to move on - as well as some recognition and, maybe, a small donation towards our new changing rooms."
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