CHIPPENHAM Town trialist Ben Kirk is desperate to earn a move to Hardenhuish, but any deal will depend on the Bluebirds agreeing a compensation package with his former club.
Kirk looks set to be offered a contract by Town boss Steve White after impressing in the centre of midfield, but the switch hangs in the balance after Kirk revealed he is contracted to Bridgwater Town for another year.
White confirmed there were complications if he was to offer Kirk a contract and said that he would need to talk to Bridgwater over the next couple of days to find out the exact details.
Although the Town boss has not revealed yet which trialists he is going to keep on, he has made no secret of his admiration of Kirk and the 19-year-old seems one of White's favourites.
Kirk, who has played the last three matches for Chippenham, capped a dominant performance in Tuesday's 4-2 victory at Andover with the final goal and he is now just keeping his fingers crossed the way can be cleared for him to become a Bluebird.
He said: "I am very eager to play for Chippenham Town next season. I would love to sign a contract here but I just have to wait and see.
"I am still sort of on contract at Bridgwater because they have taken up a year's option on me so I don't know if that is going to be a stumbling block.
"They have said they would not stand in my way but I think they are entitled to compensation and if Steve wants me, we will have to see whether that will be a problem."
Kirk, who was released by Bristol City as a youngster, first came to White's attention while playing alongside a former Chippenham player at Screwfix League Premier Division side Bridgwater Town.
Kirk said: "Andy Robertson was on trial with us from Chippenham last season and he recommended me to Steve White.
"Steve then phoned me in the summer and as a result I am here on trial. The club is brilliant and I just hope I get a chance to stay.
"Everything about it is perfect as it is only 15 minutes from Bath University where I am in my second year on a coach education course.
"Also the squad is really friendly and of course it is a step-up in football. All I can do is play my best and see what happens."
White refused to confirm whether he was going to offer Kirk a contract but admitted if he did there would have to be some talks between them and Bridgwater.
He said: "I have been very impressed with the lad, but I want to make sure I give every trialist a chance to impress until as late as possible.
"Of the five lads on trial I expect to sign three of them up so I will be making my mind up after our game against Bristol Rovers.
"I will be talking to Bridgwater about Kirk and we will have to talk about what sort of compensation they would want for him."
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