NORTHWICH Victoria have agreed to sell prize asset Joel Byrom.

The former Clitheroe creator is expected to join Stevenage Borough in the next 48 hours after talks with the FA Trophy winners yesterday, Thursday.

“We’re almost done on a deal,” said Vics owner Jim Rushe.

“It’s a much improved offer on the one we had during the season and Joel has ambitions to play at a higher level.

“I won’t stand in the way of that and, if he’s happy with what they have to offer, then I expect him to sign for them shortly.”

Boro’s chase for the goal-getting midfielder has been a drawn out one.

They first expressed an interest in Vics’ star turn in January, following that with a five-figure bid two months later.

Rushe rebuffed their interest, citing the sum offered as ‘miserly’.

He told fans at a supporters club meeting last night, Thursday, that the latest fee was one he was happy to shake hands on.

Stevenage confirmed the move on their official website.

“Borough have agreed a fee with a Conference club for a 22-year-old midfielder and are hoping to complete that transfer before the weekend,” read a note posted yesterday.

Byrom will join former Northwich defender Mark Roberts, a £5,000 capture for the Hertfordshire outfit at the turn of the year, and ex-Vics manager Dino Maamria at the Lamex Stadium.

The Tunisian paid a five-figure fee to pluck Byrom from UniBond Division One North minnows Clitheroe last January.

He played a pivotal part in Vics’ successful bid to beat the drop from non-league’s top tier by chipping in with five goals, including a memorable volley in a 2-1 win at Stevenage that secured his side’s survival.

A hernia injury disrupted his contribution to Vics’ cause last term, forcing him to miss exactly half of their 46-match league programme.