NORTHWICH Victoria’s bid to sign former AFC Telford United midfielder Jamie Vermiglio has been put on hold while the club fights another transfers ban.

The Football Conference has confirmed that the Blue Square North club are barred from making any signings, but stopped short of saying why.

“An embargo is in place,” said Dennis Strudwick, the league’s general manager.

“But due to the nature of the business it is not prudent for me to comment further.”

Vics claim not to know what rule, if any, they have broken.

It leaves Vermiglio, 26, still playing for UniBond Division One North outfit Chorley following his departure from Vics’ league rivals.

The Bucks were sure his destination was Northwich.

Indeed, the primary school teacher trained with Andy Preece’s men in the run-up to their league date with Ilkeston Town last weekend.

The Guardian understands that the ban is linked to Vics’ failure so far to agree a Company Voluntary Agreement (CVA) to exit administration.

What is less clear is which league rule that breaches anew.

“Ask the club to find out more,” added Strudwick.

An administration order has been in place since May.

But owner Jim Rushe has submitted an improved offer to HM Revenue and Customs to pay off a larger proportion of the club’s six-figures tax bill.

He expects a reply this week.

“Hopefully the new proposal for a CVA will be successful and the club can finally exit administration,” he said.

Two offers, one to pay off 25p of every pound owed to creditors and the other for 30p, have been rejected already.

Administrators Refresh Recovery Ltd have not responded to the Guardian’s request for an interview.

However they, and Vics, will be buoyed by a bumper pay day from yesterday’s FA Cup Fourth Qualifying Round victory over FC United of Manchester.

A crowd of 2,615 watched their 3-0 win.

However the victors can not claim the £12,500 prize money as reward for their third success in this year’s competition.

That’s £24,500 on hold until creditors all agree.

A bigger prize – a first round proper date with League One title hopefuls Charlton Athletic – should attract a record crowd to the Victoria Stadium on Saturday week.

Vics hope to have Vermiglio on board by then.