Maidstone boss Jay Saunders has called for changes to protect non-league clubs after youngster Bivesh Gurung joined Crystal Palace.

Under-16s midfielder Gurung has agreed a scholarship with the Premier League club but United don't receive a penny.

It's the third time they've missed out in the last few years after academy players Ben Swift and Alfie Pavey joined Aston Villa and Millwall respectively.

Saunders, who also runs the club's academy, said: "It’s great for Bivesh but it’s a shame for the club because it’s another one we lose for nothing.

“It’s all a bit wrong if I’m honest with you.

“No matter what you do, until you get to the stage where you can put 16-year-olds on contract, you’re going to lose them.

“Steve Pritchard, the under-16s manager, will have done a lot of work with the lad.

“Since Jamie Vardy, all the clubs are looking at non-league more.

“We were lucky to get Tom Mills and Alex Flisher through like we did.

“They came through the youth system and into the first team but I don’t think that’ll happen again any time soon.

“You’re not going to see that too often because anyone who’s really good will get snapped up by league clubs.”