WINCHESTER City could be about to wipe the smile off Gosport boss Alex Pike's face by hi-jacking their summer signing Sam Wyeth.

The 20-year-old defender/midfielder,right, is one of a batch of three players to have joined Gosport this summer from BAT.

But City, the newly-promoted Wessex League champions, are confident of prising him away before he has even kicked a ball for Pike's Sydenhams Premier side.

City boss Steve Tate said: "I don't want to upset Gosport or Alex Pike, but Sam had signed for them before he was aware I was interested in him.

"I don't know whether I have to put in seven days' notice, but I do know is that Sam wants to join us."

Wyeth's talent was noted by Winchester's former Saints and Eastleigh defender Christer Warren.

Tate said: "Christer doesn't say too much, but what he does say is always worth listening to and you've got to use his wisdom."

Tate is also keen to sign Bashley's Dave Wakefield on a pay-as-you-play basis.