IN-demand Barrow AFC striker Richie Bennett has the offer of an extension to his contract on the table, Bluebirds boss Paul Cox has revealed.

The 26-year-old, who netted 22 times for Barrow last season, has already attracted a rejected bid from Carlisle United and the League Two side are reported to be lining up another offer for him.

But Cox confirmed no further bid had been received prior to last night's friendly with Motherwell and added he has spoken to Bennett about the possibility of extending his stay at Holker Street.

“It's open,” said Cox. “We're in touch with Richie at the minute about extending his contract – I've spoken to his representatives over the past week about an extension.

“I can't do anything about people bidding for my players and I think it's a positive people are doing that left, right and centre. It's been Jordan (Williams), it's been Nick (Anderton) and I think it's a sign of how far this club has come.

“There is ambition for the club to keep hold of Richie, I spoke to Richie on Tuesday and we're going to fight like hell to keep hold of our players, and once again I think it's a really positive – not just for myself and Andrew, but out supporters as well.

“Nothing has come through and it is really going to take something to get someone of Richie's calibre.”

Rather than see any more players depart, Cox has plans to add to his squad – including bringing in a goalkeeper on loan to provide competition for Stuart Moore while Joel Dixon remains sidelined due to injury.

He is currently running the rule over six trialists, who all featured in the 1-0 win over Motherwell, and is optimistic of bringing in at least one new player ahead of this Saturday's friendly away to Boston United.

“I think it's been really positive with me and Andrew (Casson, Barrow finance and operations manager),” said Cox. “We sat down on Tuesday and had great negotiations with a player, and I think he'll be a really good signing.

“He's experienced boy who has a lot of games in the Football League under his belt and he'll add to what I think is quite a young squad at the minute.”