KIDDERMINSTER Harriers are seeking to claim compensation for defender Lee Baker, after he turned down the offer of a new contract at the club.

The 21-year-old had been offered a one-year deal with an option to extend based on appearances and seemed eager to sign.

However, the former West Bromwich Albion trainee is expected to join an unnamed Blue Square Premier club today, after a change of heart over the weekend.

The only good news the club can take from the loss of one of their most consistent performers last season is that under the Bosman Ruling, Harriers will be eligible for a fee for developing Baker.

While Baker refused to confirm who the mystery club was, suspected to be either Luton Town or Newport County, he hinted one of the reasons for leaving was the offer of a longer contract.

However, Harriers assistant manager Gary Whild believes further talks with the attack-minded left-back could have secured him an extended deal at the club and that his u-turn came as surprise to him and boss Steve Burr.

He said: “I think it’s strange that if a player has been offered such a great move he hasn’t signed already.

“There’s been no news about who it is and we’ll have to wait and see.

“Normally talks with players happen over a length of time but we offered Lee something and he seemed happy to take it.

“Then he’s got back to us saying he’s had an offer he couldn’t refuse. I guess that’s football.”

Baker admitted that while he was sad to leave the club, his new employers had impressed him.

He said: “I am going somewhere that is really ambitious and I am excited about the move.

“I think it might take people by surprise but it’s a club that is determined to go places and I was impressed with their plans.

“As a footballer you’re always looking for stability as well and they’ve been able to offer me that.

“Last week I was pretty certain I was going to sign for Harriers, so it just shows how things can change in a short space of time.

“I have nothing against Harriers, I have really enjoyed playing for the club.

“They’ve been great for me and I would like to think I’ve been great for them as well.

“I’ve made a lot of friends there and I’m going to miss the fans who have always been brilliant to me.”

Baker could be followed out of the door by centre-back Martin Riley, who was also offered a deal by the club last week.

The 22-year-old is also thought be interesting several clubs but if he leaves, Harriers would also be able to claim a fee for him.

Meanwhile, defender Gavin Caines has been allowed to go, despite playing enough games to activate a clause in his contract to extend his stay at Harriers, after talks with Burr.

Liam Dolman has signed for Corby, after being released last week.

The defender enjoyed a successful three-month loan spell in Northamptonshire.

David McDermott has been asked to train with Harriers in the summer in the hope of earning a new deal at the club.

The 22-year-old had little chance to impress Burr after being laid low by a serious bout of colitis.

Dean Bennett’s future is unclear after Burr admitted he had not made a decision on Harriers' current longest serving player, while Marcus Bignot is also not expected to return.

The club have secured rookies Tom Sharpe, Kyle Hadley and Nathan Hayward for another season.

Sharpe impressed Burr near the end of the season, while Hadley and Hayward both did enough while loaned out to Redditch United.

Meanwhile, Telford winger Matt Blair has been invited for a two-week trial at Harriers in July.