MATTY McNeil was last night homing in on a return to Tameside after Runcorn accepted an undisclosed four-figure bid for the 6ft 4in player from Hyde United.

The Oldham-based striker, who joined the Linnets from Stalybridge Celtic, was having talks with the Tigers.

McNeil missed the end of 2002-03 with an ankle injury and has started only one of Runcorn's four UniBond League Premier Division games this season.

Player-manager Liam Watson said: 'I would prefer him to stay. But Matty is out of contract in the summer and it gives us the chance to double the money we paid out for him.'

The switch would mean McNeil stepping down a division but reduce his travelling.

But the manager added: 'I am going to have to work hard this week if Matty does go - and he has every right to turn it down - to bring in a forward or another sweeper, which would allow me to play Chris Lightfoot up front on a permanent basis.'

Watson has had talks with ex-Marine forward Ged Courtney, who is out of favour at Conference side Leigh RMI.

'Ged is a possible but it has got to be on our terms. We are a little too far away with what he wants compared with what I am prepared to pay.

'If Matty goes, I will then have money in the budget to work with and I can then exert a bit of pressure in terms of Ged, who can come now or forget it.'

Weekend reports suggested Runcorn transfer target Shaun Teale was close to signing for Radcliffe Borough - next Tuesday's visitors to Halton Stadium, ko 7.45pm.

But after further discussions with the ex-Burscough manager, Watson says the position is largely unchanged - Lancashire's Linnets still hold his playing registration.

But the departure of Witton Albion manager Benny Phillips could leave the way clear for the FA Trophy-winning boss to return to management.

'I spoke to Shaun again on Saturday night and by then the Non-League Paper was already printed.

'He hasn't come to an agreement yet with Burscough but is still talking.

'If and when he is in a position where he gets sorted out and can play, he will give Radcliffe manager

Kevin Glendon and I the opportunity to speak to him . To quote Shaun, it is going to be a case of 'What tickles his fancy'!

'With the Witton manager's job becoming available, it looks as though he's got a good chance of getting that. But he is still someone I am very keen to bring in.'

Runcorn have already registered ex-Burscough centre-half Ged Nolan as cover, although he will not be available until the end of next month because of a 28-day suspension arising from North West Counties League football with St Helens Town.

Watson revealed Chris Lightfoot returned to his former sweeping role at Lancaster despite not being 100% fit.

'Lighty picked up an ankle injury early in the second half against Droylsden. But with the aerial threat Lancaster pose, it was vital we had him out there,' added the manager. 'I thought he was outstanding.'

Danny Salt should be available for Saturday's trip to Worksop despite being left with six stud marks on his chest after an accidental collision at the Giant Axe.

Striker Steve Daly, a scorer in both home matches so far, went off on Monday with a groin injury he has been nursing but should be fit. Lee Parle (back) and Jordan Brierley (knee) re-main sidelined.

Teenager Paul Allen has returned from a two-week holiday for a loan spell at St Helens but remains very much in Watson's plans after backing up his promising efforts of last season with a bright pre-season.

'As far as I'm concerned, Paul is in the squad. We've got first call on him and if we need him, he'll be with us,' stressed Watson.