WITTON Albion have made Mike Moseley an improved offer and the player will decide whether or not to stay in the coming days.

Northwich Vics eagerly await his verdict. Witton even more so and there are grounds for hope.

Vics had him scrutinised against Spennymoor on Saturday and are keener than ever to lure him away from their oldest rivals.

Manager Steve Burr said: 'I received a positive report on him. We know he can score goals and that makes him a valuable commodity at the moment.

'We are interested and ideally would like him in right now, but nothing has changed since last week. We are waiting to hear from Witton.'

What Witton are telling Vics is that they have put an offer in writing to Moseley.

With 101 goals in under four seasons - 20 this time, so far - Moseley is, in theory, like Burr says, a valuable commodity. But his contract expires at the end of the season when he would become a free agent.

Albion may have to sell him now to get a return, albeit much reduced, on the Runcorn-based marksman.

Chairman Mike Worthington said: 'Gary Finley and I talked with Mike on Sunday and his preference is to stay at Witton. He doesn't want to rush off and obviously we don't want to lose him, though we may have to transfer list him.

'We are putting him an offer in writing and hope he will commit himself to Witton for another two years. We have asked for a quick response.'

Manager Finley needs Moseley to spearhead Albion's drive for a place in the promotion playoffs, which is now a rapidly fading target.

Albion, nine points off the pace, go to Ossett Town, on Saturday, and on Monday to Leek Town, who occupy the coveted fifth place. At Hamil Park ex-Witton men Benny Phillips and Nigel Deeley assist Paul Ogden, who turned down the chance to manage at Wincham Park before Finley landed the job. Darrell Dicken's place on the Leek wing adds further flavour to the game.