LINCOLN CITY 1 BURY 0 BY PHIL THORP: Graham Barrow believes the departure of top scorer David Nugent from Gigg Lane is "imminent."

Barrow revealed after the Shakers latest setback that six clubs have enquired about his 19-year-old marksman.

"Some have gone behind my back, which is disappointing, but there has been a lot of interest now," confirmed the Shakers chief.

"And some people might not like to hear it but I think it's only a matter of time before he goes.

"The lad hasn't got to the stage of talking to clubs but I think it's almost imminent before he goes."

Barrow confirmed Preston are among the clubs to enquire about the 13-goal striker who missed two great opportunities to earn Bury a deserved point at Sincil Bank.

But he dismissed recent reports suggesting the sum involved could be as high as £250,000.

It is known Chester have upped their bid to £60,000 while former Bury chief Neil Warnock at Sheffield United is thought to have offered £30,000.

Nugent was set to play in Monday's final holiday fixture against Oxford United at Gigg Lane but there's every chance it could be his last appearance in a Bury shirt.

And while his sale will ease the club's financial state-described by Barrow as "terrible" - it will virtually kill-off any chances of Bury scraping a play-off place.

On current form they will soon be involved in a relegation fight though the side is too good to go down.

Had Nugent put either of his chances away then Bury would have collected a deserved point.

They fell behind against the run of play when Craig Westcarr, on loan from Notts Forest, scored a debut goal after 22 minutes.

And while the Imps had several other good opportunities through Ciaran Toner and Richard Butcher, the Shakers were always in the contest.

Despite playing into the torrential rain and galeforce wind in the second half, Bury were the better team. Substitute Simon Whaley drove a shot fractionally wide from 18 yards while Nugent's left foot effort from 12 yards was gratefully snaffled by Alan Marriott.

Francis Green did have the ball in the net a second time for Keith Alexander's side but the whistle for offside had been blown several seconds earlier.

"We got battered here last season and you wondered which way to turn," added Barrow. "Today, I couldn't fault the effort and it's just a case of keeping playing as we are and hope we can put the chances away."