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

Manager Mark Patterson, frustrated at his inability to bring in fresh faces, now has to contend with the possibility of losing his Tunisian marksman if Stevenage return with an improved offer.

Maamria has been in good form in front of goal this season and is one of the Conference's leading strikers with 14 goals.

Patterson said: "I have been trying to bring in players for a month but without any joy. Just when it appears I have agreed a deal something happens and it breaks down. What I can say is that Dino is going nowhere until I have replaced him."

Patterson's latest targets were Darlington's Mark Ford and Scarborough's Mohammed Sillah, but both deals for the midfielders broke down yesterday.

RMI are in action tonight when they travel to Rossendale in the quarter-final of the Marsden BS Lancashire Trophy.