WORCESTER City look set to miss out on former Cheltenham Town academy stopper Lewis Clayton after he received interest from higher-ranked Gloucester City.

However, manager Ashley Vincent insists Worcester have “a number of options” to potentially fill the void left by banned goalkeeper Dan Jezeph.

Clayton had trained with City in a bid to secure a new club following a stint in Sweden where he played for fourth-tier outfit IFK Mora.

The 19-year-old who was released by Cheltenham at the end of the 2017-18 campaign made 37 appearances for Bishop’s Cleeve last term before his departure in March.

But Vincent said Clayton had been presented with an opportunity to play for National North side Gloucester this summer.

“He came and trained with us about a week ago,” Vincent said.

“But I think Lewis has got an option to play for Gloucester.

“The door is never closed on anyone.

“He is a smashing young lad, he got on well with the boys and trained really well.

“He is a very talented boy but if Gloucester is his preferred choice we will wish him all the best and keep our eye on him.”

City are looking for a keeper after Matt Gwynne joined Pershore Town and Sam Gilder called time on his playing career.

Jezeph will also miss the opening three games of the new Midland Football League Premier Division campaign due to suspension.

The ex-Walsall custodian is expected to reclaim the gloves when his 150-day ban comes to an end.

But Vincent says he is not short of possible challengers for the number one jersey.

“We have got to strengthen there,” Vincent said.

“Dan is a top-quality goalkeeper and it will be hard for somebody to keep him out when he is back available.

"The situation does put off certain people coming in because there is only one position to vie for.

“But I have spoken to Dan about it and he knows that it is a squad game and if we are doing well and players are performing well they will keep their shirt.

“There are a number of options.”

Two trialists that Vincent refused to name had featured in goal in City’s 1-0 win at Bewdley Town last Saturday.

Asked whether he would give more keepers opportunities in tomorrow’s friendly at Pershore, Vincent added: “Potentially.

“We have cast our eye over a few different people and that is not to say they aren’t good enough.

“In a lot of cases these pre-season matches are fitness exercises to see where players are at and if they are at the same levels as the other boys that we have got.

“The boys that we are bringing in have options so we are not scraping the barrel by any means.”