HAYES & Yeading are close to striking a deal with former Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Sam Cox.

The talented 21-year-old was released by League Two side Barnet this summer and is on the lookout for a new club.

Cox enjoyed a successful spell on loan at Boreham Wood last term and walked away with the players’ player of the year award.

But it was not enough to persuade the Bees to offer him fresh terms at Underhill and the holding midfielder is believed to have a number of offers on the table.

United see Cox as an ideal replacement for former skipper Jamie Hand , who left Kingfield earlier this year after a falling out with the club chairman.

Sources have told the Gazette that United are leading the race for the ex-Spurs youngster’s signature as they build a squad for the Blue Square South campaign.

Boss Nas Bashir is looking for continuity in his squad after the high turnover of players during last season led to the club being relegated from the non-league top flight in April.

Bashir has held on to utility man Danny Wishart for another year, despite interest from Macclesfield Town.

United have also bolstered their options with the addition of Gareth Risbridger , who will join the club for the pre-season with a view to permanent move.

The 30-year-old has considerable experience of Blue Square South from his long stay at Staines Town and more recently with Cox at Boreham Wood.

Risbridger will challenge for a place in Bashir’s midfield with Toby Ajala , who has been invited back to spend pre-season with the club.

Ben Gladwin , who had a brief stint at Kingfield last season, will also be given another chance to make his mark after a productive spell with Reading Town.

Meanwhile, United will start their league season at Weston-Super-Mare on Saturday, August 18.