DEFENDER Lee Baker is hoping to tie-up his future with Harriers in the next few weeks.

The 21-year-old left-back has been offered a new deal at the Aggborough outfit for the 2010-11 campaign.

The deal is for one season and would be automatically extended for another if he plays 30 league games.

Baker was one of manager Steve Burr's top priorities to keep at the club after a fine season.

The former West Bromwich Albion junior was one of Harriers' most consistent performers in the second half of the season, managing to combine a willingness to attack with an improved solidity in defence.

Burr started talks with Baker after his two-goal salvo sank Worcester City in the Worcestershire Senior Cup in February.

Baker admitted that he ultimate goal is to follow Smikle, who joined Cheltenham Town, into the Football League and he confirmed he has had one solid offer from another Blue Square Premier club.

He said: "The manager let me know three months ago that he wanted to keep me.

"I've always enjoyed playing for Harriers and hopefully I will be able to get it sorted in the next few weeks.

"I've had one concrete offer from another club but if I was to move it would be to a club in the Football League.

"I like the club, get on with the fans and players and have a good relationship with the manager, he's up front with me and I respect that.

"I told the gaffer I would like a two-year deal but he chairman said they could only offer me a one year deal with an option to extend."

The news that Baker is willing to commit to Harriers will come as a much needed boost for Harriers fans.

So far the out of contract Darryl Knights, Smikle and Duane Courtney have moved on and Baker would be the first key player from the previous campaign to commit himself this summer.

The defender is one of a number Harriers players who are free agents this summer, with the future of Dean Bennett, David McDermott, Martin Riley, Kyle Hadley, Nathan Hayward, Tom Sharpe and Liam Dolman still yet to be sorted.

If Baker signs, then he will join Chris McPhee, John Finnigan, Lee Vaughan, Danny Lewis, Jack Byrne and Keith Briggs in the squad. Striker Robbie Matthews is also transfer listed.