PHIL Simkin is tonight expected to hold talks with hot prospect Harry Cornick.

The Christchurch winger is being monitored by a host of high-profile clubs, including heavyweights such as Stoke City, Reading, Southampton and Portsmouth.

Dorchester Town are also in the running for the sought-after 17-year-old, having already issued a seven-day approach, and although they face fierce competition, boss Simkin hopes the recent rise of Ben Dickenson will aid the county town cause.

Dickenson made the switch from Hurn Bridge to the Avenue in May 2011 before a string of eye-catching displays led to Brighton & Hove Albion swooping for the talented teenager.

Simkin said: “Christchurch have got a game tonight (against New Milton Town) and I am hoping to go and watch it and speak to Harry afterwards.

“We will speak to him and see where we go from there. We can only do our best and offer to take care of him like we did with Ben Dickenson.

“We have got a good base to sell from so we will see what happens.”

The Magpies bolstered their ranks at the end of last week with the addition of winger Jon Garcia.

The Spaniard made his county town bow as a second-half substitute during Saturday’s 1-0 defeat at AFC Hornchurch and is likely to feature for the reserves in Thursday night’s trip to Bashley.

Simkin added: “He came on for the last 15 minutes or so and showed up quite well.

“It was a difficult game for him to come into but he looked lively. He will get some minutes with the reserves on Thursday, as will a few others, and we will have a look at him again.”

Next up for the senior side is Saturday’s FA Cup clash with Wootton Bassett Town.