WEYMOUTH have turned down a bid of £15,000 for striker Lee Phillips.

The approach came from Dr Martens Premier Division rivals Newport County, where the former Plymouth Argyle man spent the end of last season on loan.

But cash-strapped Terras directors have told Exiles' boss Tim Harris that the offer is not enough.

A disappointed Harris said: "I'm a big fan of Lee's and that's why I brought him to Newport on loan. Obviously I'd like to make the move permanent and I think the lad would be happy to join us.

"Personally I feel Weymouth should be a little more realistic because £15,000 is a lot of money at this level. In fact it would treble our previous record signing."

No Terras officials were available to comment on the bid although it's thought their price tag for the 21-year-old Cornishman is in the region of £50,000.

However, any fee received for Phillips is subject to a 45 per cent sell-on clause to Argyle.

Meanwhile Weymouth boss Geoff Butler has told out-on-contract club captain Alex Browne and midfielder Michael Dean that they both have futures at the Wessex Stadium.

"I've told Alex that he's is very much part of my plans for next season," revealed Butler, "but I won't be in a position to offer him terms until things are sorted with the seven contract players who are currently considering a proposed basic pay cut.

"Alex is a man with quality and experience on his side and is definitely someone I want in my team.

"My only slight criticism watching him at the tail-end of last season is that he

wasn't quite as fit as he could be. Also I think he was carrying a couple of niggling little injuries which I assume had something to do with it.

"But Alex is the first to admit there's room for improvement and I know he's determined to work hard to put things right during the summer months."

He added: "Michael's

another one who has plenty to offer the club and I've also spoken to Matthew Hale who's agreed to play for us whenever his Royal Marine duties allow."

Butler added that youngsters Michael Walker, Aaron Bastafield, Danny Bews, Michael Sajic and Carl Mutch have all agreed to return for pre-season training next month.