Oxford City have reported AFC Newbury to the FA over an alleged illegal approach for centre back Michael Thorp.

Angry City boss Paul Lee claimed his former assistant Andy Lyne, who is now manager at AFC Newbury, had telephoned Thorp and made him an offer to play for the Jewson Wessex League club.

Lee said: "Thorpy said he had made him a very good offer, but he had declined and told me he doesn't want to play at that level.

"Andy told Thorpy that he had been trying to get hold of me, and I told him he has not spoken to me since the day I sacked him.

"Thorpy has not played for the last couple of weeks due to work commitments, but he has played in 80 per cent of our games this season."

Lee said that nobody at Newbury had contacted him about Thorp.

Lyne explained that he had heard Thorp had left City because he couldn't get back in the side.

He claimed his assistant, Matty McDonnell, attempted to contact Lee on three occasions to find out what the position was, and left messages, but didn't get a reply.

It was then Lyne assumed there was not a problem and sent a text message to Thorp.

Lyne added: "I am disappointed that they have dragged Newbury into this. It is nothing to do with Newbury. I think it is personal between me and Oxford City.

"I think if it had been anyone else, they might have turned a blind eye to it."