LEIGH RMI admit they are prepared to sell England international Steve Jones but not at a knock-down price.

But it will cost any interested clubs well in excess of £100,000 to sign him.

The flying winger, who caused panic to so many Conference defences last season, was the league's second top marksman with 19 goals and capped a remarkable year by scoring for England semi-professional team in their 3-0 victory over the Highland League last week.

Conference rivals Morecambe made a £30,000 offer for the 23 year-old which manager Steve Waywell described as an 'insult'.

"Jones is the second top striker in the Conference. Morecambe got £180,000 for Justin Jackson when they sold him to Rushden and Jones beat him in the scoring charts, so we will want £100,000 plus for him," said Waywell.

"Not that I want to sell him. I would love him to stay and he has three years of his contract remaining. We will certainly not sell him for £30,000, that would be cutting our own throats. He is quality and his record speaks for itself. I rate the lad highly. He has faults like every other player but he has proved himself. He is consistent, a goalscorer and a matchwinner.

"To offer £30,000 for a lad who is playing for England is an insult. I assume their offer is just the start but other clubs are interested and if they want him they will have to move fast. I would love him to stay but I know the lad wants full-time and I or the club won't stand in his way."

Significant fee

If theHilton Park outfit do get a significant fee for the flame-haired winger, who was signed from Chorley two seasons ago, Waywell has been told that part of it would be made available to sign players. That would be a huge bonus to the manager, who recently signed a new four year contract and is looking to strengthen his team over the summer.

He took the first steps to reorganising his squad by releasing four players who have made up his substitute bench for much of last season. Mick Morrell, Andy Mason, Ged Murphy and Dave Gardner have all been told their services are no longer required, while goalkeepr Craig Dootson, signed from Bamber Bridge, has been transfer-listed.

"Craig has another 12 months on his contract but I am looking for another keeper. It is no fault of his or ours, it has just not worked out," added Waywell.

"He has had more than his fair share of chances but he didn't fit the bill. He is a quality keeper and maybe he can prove it at another club.

"My other keeper Dave Felgate has another 12 months of his contract to run but he is 44 years old and I have to be looking to the future. Dave responded well after I criticised him last season and proved me wrong. If he can continue that form I will pick him again.

" Waywell said that the four players released had not been able to adapt to the Conference. "I have been saying for a long time that my bench was not strong enough and it is important that we rectify that. If I can get another five players I will rotate them if they are Conference quality players. I was not able to do that last season."