AFC Telford confident of signing Simon Grand

Manager Liam Watson and his assistant Dominic Morley have both confirmed discussions have taken place with the former Southport stopper about a possible move to the New Bucks Head.

Grand, who has been released by the Sandgrounders, has been strongly linked with a move to Shropshire ever since his former boss was unveiled as the new Telford manager on Friday.

Watson said he had spoke to the player and believes he will sign for the Bucks this summer.

Asked whether a deal was imminent, Morley added: "I think it is close if I'm honest. I have spoken to him and I am going to speak to him again.

"I think he is out of contract but there will be a couple of clubs speaking to him because he is decent player, especially at Conference North level."

Watson is currently on holiday and Morley said that, as a result, it was unlikely any deal would be completed until his return.

But he hopes to reach a verbal agreement with the player shortly which would, hopefully, pave the way for a deal to be completed.

Grand would be the second centre-half to be signed up for the Bucks' forthcoming season following Dan Preston's contract extension, which was unveiled on Friday evening.

Watson believes the 21-year-old would benefit from playing alongside an experienced centre-half and Grand, 29, would certainly fit the bill.

Grand has acquired extensive experience in the Football League and Conference Premier over the years.

He has played for Rochdale, Grimsby Town, Carlisle, Morecambe and Northwich Victoria as well as Fleetwood Town, Mansfield and Aldershot in a 12-year career.

He was also made Southport's club captain in June last year.

Morley added that the club would be working hard to bring in new recruits and he has been looking at players at Conference Premier, North and Evo-Stik League levels.

But, contrary to speculation, the Bucks are not close to a deal for Southport midfielder and coach Alan Moogan.