HAVANT & Waterlooville are leading the hunt for Banbury United's prolific young French striker 'Stormin' Norman Sylla.

The 21-year-old, who had trials for Premiership giants Chelsea last season, has been carefully monitored by Hawks' co-manager Mick Jenkins for the best part of a year.

Dr Martens Eastern Division outfit Banbury have acknowledged Havant's interest but it is believed that nothing will be settled until Sylla - brother-in-law of Olivier Dacourt - returns from holiday in his native France next week.

Banbury committee member David Bennett told the club website: "Until such time as a contract is signed we are withholding any further statement.

"Deals do have a habit sometimes of not happening as David Beckham and Barcelona showed only too well."

Newbury-based Sylla was released from professional forms with Oxford United at the age of 19 having proved himself a prolific goalscorer at youth and reserve team level.

Tall, quick and skilful, he had non-League and professional clubs queuing up to look at him last season as he ran out top Eastern Division marksman with 32 goals.

Hawks themselves boasted the Premier Division's 'golden boot' in 22-goal Woolston-based hotshot James Taylor and, with ex-Bournemouth frontman David Town already in the bag this summer, Jenkins and co-manager Liam Diash are intent on assembling one of the most feared strike forces in the league.

Jenkins, who watched Sylla play a trial match for Chelsea, said: "I've been following Norman around a fair bit waiting for the right moment and, hopefully, that moment has come.

"We've spoken to Sylla's representatives and agreed a deal in principle."

Hawks, meanwhile, were gobsmacked to hear that their goalkeeper, Aaron Kerr, had signed for Nationwide League outfit Walsall.

The former Northern Ireland under-21 player has made it publicly known that he wants to leave the club after an alleged lack of communication with Jenkins, but Hawks have a year's option on his contract which they have taken up.

Since Kerr is still under 24, a fee would be required, but Hawks had had no communication from the Midlanders when they announced the signing. H&W secretary Trevor Brock said: "I am stunned they have gone ahead without our involvement."