ALAN Knill will sit down with his skipper Stephen Dawson this morning in an attempt to secure the Irishman’s future at Gigg Lane.

The 24-year-old is out of contract in the summer and can speak to potential suitors in January. Bury have, however, made serious moves to tie down one of their prized assets.

“Stephen is a top player and we are trying our best,” said Knill. “Our last meeting was positive and Stephen has said he wants to stay so the next part is making the financial part right for us and him.

“The unfortunate thing is that top players come at a cost, so well done to the club for trying to negotiate and trying to give Stephen what he deserves.

“It is a final offer and we can’t possibly do more than what we have offered but, knowing him as a lad, and what he thinks about the club and supporters, he has given it real consideration.”

There are a number of other players at Gigg Lane who are out of contract in the summer, but Knill admits it will be difficult to find the finances to offer them all new deals in the short term.

“I have got lots out of contract but finances play a big part,” said Knill. “If we could, we would like to sort them all out — certainly the ones we want to keep — but they have to be patient and hopefully, by being successful, we can generate more money.

“We have to wait until we are in a better position financially, but we also have to remember there is still a long way to go in the season. Anything can happen, such as a drop in form, and we have to wait.”

Bury visit Dagenham and Redbridge on Saturday and Michael Jones is expected to return to the squad after a knee injury. Andy Bishop, Danny Carlton, Ryan Cresswell, Damien Allen and Tom Elliott remain sidelined.