Herne Bay striker Jake Embery is set to join Maidstone but the Bostik South East club are unhappy about the circumstances surrounding the proposed switch.

Embery has been a prolific marksman for the Bay during his two seasons at Winch's Field and is the son of joint boss John Embery.

The 18-year-old former Sittingbourne man knocked back a number of offers to stay with Bay last season but is expected to join National League Stones on Tuesday.

Bay issued a statement on Monday night in which they said they were 'not at all happy' about losing one of their prized assets.

Twice this season Embery has scored four in a game, against Ramsgate and Greenwich.

The statement, on Bay's website, said: "The Club have been advised that Jake will be signing for Maidstone United tomorrow.

"The Club are not at all happy about this but Jake’s agent has done a deal with Maidstone United and we have been left with no choice.

"We were asked by Jake to cancel his contract and he would be prepared to play for nothing.

He signed non-contract forms with Herne Bay and we were fully expecting him to play against Whitstable on Saturday.

The statement went on: "Very disappointing but these things happen in football.

"Jake has proved his goal scoring ability and has put in a great shift for the club in the time he has been with us and we wish him the best of luck in his full time in football.

"It will take an exceptional striker to come to club to get anywhere near his goal scoring record for Herne Bay.

"If it doesn’t work out for Jake I am sure we would welcome him back we open arms."