Crawley have failed in a deadline-day move for one of the Dr Martens League's most prolific marksman.

Reds spoke to 37-goal French striker Norman Sylla but he has decided to remain at eastern division Banbury United, at least until the end of the season.

Sylla, 20, joined the Puritans last summer after he was released by Oxford United and has been banging in the goals at an average of more than one a game.

His exploits have attracted interest from Chelsea, Brentford and Northampton, all of whom have had him on trial.

Crawley had him watched four times and managing director Steve Duly was in the crowd on Saturday for Banbury's league game at Sittingbourne.

Sylla, who is the brother-in-law of Leeds midfielder Oliver Dacourt, came to England to live with his sister in Oxfordshire. He is a product of the French Football Academy.

Duly said: "We made a seven-day approach and I spoke to him on Monday, outlining our ambitions. But he got back to me on Wednesday and told me he had decided to stay. It's quite an admirable attitude from a player although I would be disappointed if he signed for another club now."

Reds desperately need firepower because injuries to top scorer Nic McDonnell and Warren Bagnall have left them with just Danny Hockton as a recognised frontman, although reserve team striker Shadeem Sadough made an impressive step up on Tuesday when he scored the opener at Grantham.

Boss Francis Vines has made his first signing, 19-year-old fullback Andrew Julius who is a product of Crystal Palace's youth academy and recently spent a month on loan with Bromley.

He is expected to be on the bench when FA Trophy semi-finalists Havant & Waterlooville visit Broadfield Stadium tomorrow.

Bagnall is hoping to be fit while Mo Harkin (knee) was due to resume training last night and may play some part in the game. Midfielder Neil Le Bihan, who was unavailable on Tuesday, returns to the squad.