Horsham boss John Maggs says the club will do “everything it can” to keep star midfielder Lee Carney, pictured, after an approach by Three Bridges.

Furious Maggs has reported the County League club for making an illegal approach which means any move would not be allowed to go ahead until after a Sussex FA hearing in the new year.

Carney, who has made 331 appearances and scored 72 goals for Hornets, is one of the key players in their push for a Ryman premier play-off place.

Maggs said: “We reported them because the deed had already been done by the time they were allowed to speak to Lee. Three Bridges are out of order but Lee isn’t going anywhere until it is resolved.”

Maggs fears that he may lose his influential midfielder because of the financial deal on offer from Bridges.

He added: “If it had been above board at the time he would have gone. (Three Bridges secretary) Martin Clarke said it would have been like signing Ronaldo but we have got a bit of time now and we will do everything to try to keep him.

“We’ve got a bit of time to play with but then it will be up to Lee.”