JERMAINE BECKFORD could be set to follow in the footsteps of Scott Fitzgerald, Omari Coleman and Jay DeMerit by signing for Watford from non-league football.

The 22-year-old Wealdstone striker has been training at London Colney this week with Watford and boss Adrian Boothroyd said: "He's one we've been tracking for a while and we'll make a decision about him soon."

Should Watford decide to bid for the Ryman Premier Division's leading scorer they are certain to face plenty of competition from other clubs wishing to procure the hottest property in non-league football.

Beckford has already had trials at the likes of Chelsea and Crystal Palace both clubs want him back for a second look. And is set to spend next week training with Charlton Athletic.

Beckford's club manager Gordon Bartlett admits he has never seen anything like it.

"It's unbelievable," said former Portsmouth player Bartlett. "It's gone absolutely crazy. I've never come across this situation before at this level. We've had interest from 20 league clubs but only one formal offer so far, from Yeovil Town, which we've accepted believed to be £50,000.

"We had the Sky television cameras down for our games and everything but Jermaine is taking it very well, he just wants to play football."

And Bartlett, who managed Les Ferdinand at Southall and Andy Impey at Yeading, knows what it takes for a non-league player to make that step up.

"He really could go a long, long way. To score 32 goals in a struggling side is incredible but he gets off the mark very quickly and has tremendous confidence in front of goal. He's been here since he was 17 and come through the youth system but has really matured the last couple of seasons and i think the penny has finally dropped with him."

Other clubs reported to have an interest in Beckford include Sunderland, Reading, QPR, Barnet, Brentford, Oldham, Wycombe and Northampton Town.