Burton move for Harriers star Penn
Kidderminster midfielder Russell Penn could be sensationally sold to Burton Albion with the Brewers closing in on a big-money switch.
Sources suggest that the League Two side are deadly serious about luring the England C Player of the Year to the Pirelli Stadium, and are looking to conclude a deal as quickly as possible.
Harriers chairman Barry Norgrove has warned Penn is going nowhere on the cheap, slapping a £50,000 price tag on the player's head.
He did admit that their had been contact from Burton, but warns that the jewel in the crown will only be sold on their terms - and it would have to be enough money to make a big difference at Aggborough.
Norgrove said: "Burton have been in touch about Russell, to see whether we would be letting him go this summer. We don't want him to leave, so we told them no - unless a substantial bid was lodged.
"If money were to be offered of such a significant amount that it could safeguard the club's future, then we would have to look at that seriously in this economy.
"Such a figure would be a starting point of £50,000, going upwards from there, possibly even into six figures."
Penn in the past has made no secret of his desire to play in the Football League, after failing to make the grade at Scunthorpe as a youngster.
Harriers revealed last summer that they had turned down a cash bid from Walsall for their star midfielder - and that was before he enjoyed another stellar campaign in the Blue Square Premier.
A club and international star in the non-league world at only 23, the stage is now set for the club's longest-serving player to make the step up sooner rather than later.
Norgrove accepts that he has his hands full keeping hold of Penn, but reiterates he won't be selling at a rock-bottom price.
The chairman said: "At the end of the day, what is the point of letting Russell Penn leave for peanuts? We would then have to replace him, which wouldn't be easy for a player of his calibre.
"He has been courted before, by the likes of Walsall and Peterborough last summer, so it's natural that he will have clubs after him. But he is still a player that we don't want to lose.
"It would have to be worth a lot of money that would really help the club, for it to be worth doing to the team."
