Gradi ready to sell
03 Oct 2006 - 12:50:01
Crewe Alexandra boss Dario Gradi has revealed Billy Jones is likely to be sold in January after refusing to sign a new contract.
The versatile 19-year-old, who has already made over 100 League appearances for the Railwaymen, is out of contract at the end of the season and Gradi knows the club cannot afford to lose him for below his market value.
He told the club's official website: "Billy has not accepted our offer of a new contract and we will discuss the next step at the next board meeting.
"We cannot persuade him to sign, so it could be that we will look to sell him when the transfer window re-opens.
"We have done as much as we can do and the ball is very much in his court now.
"He and his advisors are adamant that it is in his best interest to move on and of course it is always disappointing when one of the younger players decides that course of action.
"Even if he signed a new contract we would have let him move on in the future, if the right offer and right club come along. I don't know what he is thinking but we will do what is in our best interest now."