Dorchester Town will take the soft approach in their pursuit of Harry Cornick.

Boss Phil Simkin ran the rule over the sought-after winger in Christchurch’s 3-1 victory over New Milton Town on Tuesday night.

The former was suitably impressed with the Priory teenager and will invite the 17-year-old to train with his county town outfit.

But Dorchester face fierce competition for Cornick’s signature with Premier League clubs such as Fulham, Reading, Stoke City and Southampton all believed to be monitoring the youngster’s progress.

Simkin said: “We didn’t get to speak to him on Tuesday night but I watched him play and he is obviously a very talented lad.

“My assistant Stuart Heath is a family friend and is looking to speak to Harry’s dad and invite them down to the club so that Harry can train with us.

“We are just taking it slowly as we don’t want to put any pressure on him.

“I did speak to Graham Kemp (Christchurch manager) on Tuesday night and he has been very helpful. He obviously doesn’t want to lose Harry but the reality of the situation is not lost on him.

“Hopefully Harry will come down and see us and possibly train with us. He and his parents can then have a look at the place and we’ll go from there.”

The last player to join the Magpies from Hurn Bridge was Ben Dickenson back in May 2011.

And just eight months into his county town career, the talented forward caught the eye of a number of Football League outfits before signing for Championship heavyweights Brighton & Hove Albion.

Poole Town are also interested in Cornick but have been accused by Christchurch of illegally contacting the rising star – an allegation the Dolphins strongly deny.

Meanwhile, Dorchester’s current crop are preparing for Saturday’s visit of Wootton Bassett Town in the second qualifying round of the FA Cup.

The winner of the tie will pocket £4,500.