By Craig Tucker

Promotion rivals Hythe have moved for Maidstone captain Shaun Welford ahead of the sides’ top-of-the-table clash.

United have received a seven-day approach for the striker, who is free to speak to Hythe next Wednesday.

Stones boss Jay Saunders wants his captain to stay and is set to start Welford (pictured) against Hythe at Reachfields on Saturday. Saunders said: "I’d be disappointed if Shaun decided to leave but you just never know in football.

"I’ve been at clubs where you’re happy and you say you don’t want to go anywhere but sometimes money talks and you end up leaving. Maidstone are his hometown club, he’s our skipper and he gets to play in front of 2,000 people every week.

"He loves it here and I don’t see why he would want to leave but I’ve been around long enough to know these things can happen."

United sit second in Ryman League, Division 1 South, three points clear of Hythe in third.

Maidstone expect to welcome back winger Alex Flisher from a hamstring problem, while midfielder Ben Davisson is back in training after recovering from a broken foot.