BASHLEY are leading the chase to re-sign their former skipper Craig Davis from Salisbury City.

The New Forest club, who sold Davis to the Whites for £15,000 less than three years ago, were at the front of the queue when the 24-year-old was transfer-listed by mutual consent last month.

Conference South outfit Dorchester are also rumoured to have shown an interest in the Chandler's Ford-based midfielder, right.

But it's believed Bash now of the recently-formed Southern 1 South & West are the only club so far to have talked money.

Salisbury boss Nick Holmes is away on holiday and director Neville Beal said: "Nick is dealing with that side of things, but I know Bashley are interested in Craig, which doesn't surprise me.

"Having paid £15,000 for Craig, we do want a fee, but we're not demanding any particular figure.

"We're open to negotiation."

With more than 100 appearances under his belt, Davis is a popular figure at Salisbury and many fans have posted internet messages expressing shock and disappointment about him being transfer-listed in the wake of Whites' Southern Premier title triumph.

But Beal said: "All fans have got their favourites and, after the successful season we've had, whatever player you put up for sale, there would be certain people who wouldn't want him to go.

"It's up to Nick who he wants to keep, but there are no hard feelings.

"We stay friendly with everyone and, if Craig does leave, we wish him all the best. I know he'll do well at another club."

Wessex League duo AFC Totton and Gosport have also expressed an interest in Davis.

But, ideally, the box-to-box midfielder would like to play in the Conference South.

Although the prospect of travelling to Dorchester does not appeal, Davis said: "I wouldn't rule them out.

"Dorchester are a massive club and Glenn Howes (Magpies' midfielder and former Salisbury player) is a very good friend of mine.

"I speak to him a lot and he is very much enjoying it there.

"When I've had dealings with Mark Morris, the Dorchester manager, he has always come across well.

"Staying at Salisbury is the other scenario, but I am not massively keen.

"I am not happy for various reasons but I am contracted to go back and will go back (for pre-season training) if needed.

"I hope something will happen before then."