LEIGH RMI have turned down a bid for star striker Dino Maamria from Conference League rivals Stevenage Borough writes David Magilton

Maamria has been in good form in front of goal this season and is one of the Conference's leading strikers with 14 goals, but despite their financial plight Leigh were not prepared to let him go for what Stevenage offered.

It has been a difficult time for manager Mark Patterson, who has been frustrated by his inability to bring in fresh faces.

Patterson's latest targets are Darlington's Mark Ford and Scarborough's Mohammed Sillah, who he is after to strengthen his midfield.

The manager said: "I have been trying to bring in players for a month but without any success. Just when it appears I have agreed a deal something happens and it breaks down."