LEAGUE One side Brighton are leading the chase for prolific non-league striker Joe Francis.The former Woodbridge Town hit-man has been tracked by a number of football league sides since signing for Southern League side King's Lynn following a ten-week stint training with Ipswich Town.

Derek Davis

LEAGUE One side Brighton are leading the chase for prolific non-league striker Joe Francis.

The former Woodbridge Town hit-man has been tracked by a number of football league sides since signing for Southern League side King's Lynn following a ten-week stint training with Ipswich Town.

The EADT understands Brighton boss Dean Wilkins ran the rule over the player who has been switched from a striker to a left-sided midfielder with good results.

He has still scored 23 goals in 47 league games, has won four player of the year awards and attracted league scouts.

Brighton look favourites to make a move, but the arrival of Micky Adams for his second stint as the Seagulls boss has meant chairman Dick Knight has put a bid on hold and the player is unaware of any interest being firmed up.

Francis last night told the EADT: “I have heard rumours about league sides watching me but I ignore all that and just get on with my game. I let my agent deal with anything that might come up and as I'm under contract any interested club would have to go through King's Lynn anyway.”

The 21-year-old is a plasterer by trade has another year on his contract with the Linnets and is thoroughly enjoying his football, but admits he has ambitions to play higher.

Francis said: “I have had enjoyed a really good season. It has gone better than I could have expected and I have exceeded my targets.

“I am really happy here at king's Lynn playing with a wonderful bunch of guys under a terrific manager and coaches. But it is everyone's dream to play in the league. If it happens it would be brilliant and I really belief in myself.

“My time at Ipswich Town gave me a taste to be a professional and what I learned there has helped me step up.

“I always had belief in myself, but you still worry. It would be the same stepping up into the Football League if it happened, but I still belief I can do it.

“If it doesn't then I'm more than happy playing here.”

After helping the Linnets to the Southern League Premier title, top-scorer Francis's side will be playing in the second tier of the Conference next season, if he has not switched to the Seagulls.