King's Lynn boss Keith Webb has switched his striker search to exciting Cogenhoe talent Steve Diggin. Webb launched a seven day approach for the former Aston Villa schoolboy after calling off his pursuit of a Conference National hitman on the final day of the transfer window.

King's Lynn boss Keith Webb has switched his striker search to exciting Cogenhoe talent Steve Diggin.

Webb launched a seven day approach for the former Aston Villa schoolboy after calling off his pursuit of a Conference National hitman on the final day of the transfer window.

Assistant boss Shaun Carey planned to run the rule over the 18-year-old during United's postponed UCL Premier fixture last week. The 15-goal striker was on trial at Coca Cola League One Bournemouth in January.

“He was recommended to me and I've heard a lot of good reports,” said Webb. “He's isn't the biggest of players but very powerful and one I believe could make the step up and add to what we've already got. I'll be able to speak to him later this week. The situation with the Conference striker has changed with regard to his existing contract. That's not one we will be pursuing.”

Webb is also weighing up a seven day approach for ex-Norwich front runner Zema Abbey after confirming the 29-year-old turned out for Southern League Division One Midland strugglers Barton on Saturday.

“Obviously there is procedures to follow in regard to a player signed to another club,” said Webb. “He didn't think there was a problem with Barton being in a different league to us. That isn't the case. They've signed on a lot of new players recently so I'll have to see. After the way the front lads performed against Yate it's not in my mind to rush into anything.”

Webb was delighted to tie central defender Greg Crane down to an 18-month contract earlier this week.

“I've been well happy with his level of performance,” he said. “Craney's still a good age and capable of improvement. If he does develop as I expect then it wouldn't surprise me to see other clubs interested. When that happens it can only benefit King's Lynn. We've got one or two younger lads who might be in a similar situation so it is something I'm looking at. With the rules as they stand nowadays it isn't worth putting lads over the age of 24 on contract.”

The 22-year-old former Norwich academy product was quick to pledge his short term future to The Walks.

“There wasn't too much to think about,” he said. “This is a good club which is moving forward and I want to be a part of that. For me it's a nice boost and now I just want to push on and keep improving. It's quite a step up from Ridgeons football in terms of fitness and decision making, but we've got some great experienced lads.

“Playing alongside the likes of Dean West, Mark Warren and Grant Cooper is great. Even though I've started the last few games you can't take anything for granted. We played well against Yate and we need to go a run. We've said that for a while, but I haven't seen a better team in the division than us.”

Webb revealed midfielder Sam McMahon is in line for a reserves outing this weekend after missing the last five matches with a recurrence of his hamstring problem. Goal scoring wide man Matt O'Halloran (tight hamstring) is a major doubt for the Southern Premier trip to Gloucester.