A STRONG start to the season and an FA Cup giant-killing of Bristol Rovers may come at a price for Barrow AFC – with owner Paul Casson expecting his young guns to attract transfer marker interest.

When the Football League transfer window opens in January, winger Jordan Williams is fully expected to draw bids from teams higher up the pyramid – having been the subject of several in the summer.

But Casson does not see Williams – who is thought to have an asking price of around £250,000 after signing a new two-year contract in the summer – as the only player likely to lure in higher-division teams.

Nick Anderton – who was on the books at Championship side Preston North End until his release at the end of last season – Moussa Diarra – the National League player-of the month in September – and the as-yet-unseen Harry Panayiotou are all seen by Casson as potential targets.

A Premier League scout was present at Sunday's 2-1 FA Cup win over League One Rovers, which has set up a third-round home tie with Rochdale, casting his eye over at least one of the Bluebirds.

“I think that particularly the younger players will attract interest,” said Casson of his expectations for January following a first three months of the season that have seen Barrow impress in league and cup competitions. “I think Nick Anderton is one who is a potentially excellent player.

“Moussa has come on so quickly and is getting plaudits all over. A 6ft 5ins centre-half with that presence doesn't come along very often.

“Then there are the ones we are keeping hidden. Harry Panayiotou, from all reports, is the best player at training. He has been unfortunate – he almost played in the first game against Taunton in the FA Cup, but he was flying off again with St Kitts. He has looked very good in training, as has (Dan) Cockerline (now on loan at Stalybridge Celtic).

“Alex-Ray Harvey is another one who had some interest in him in August, and who is once again playing very well.

“It's developing into a very good team. There is always going to be that kinds of interest. If we do continue to progress and we are on TV, in whatever match, the cup the league or whatever, then it just raises everybody's profile.”

One player over whom Casson has no control is loan midfielder Ryan Yates.

Yates has grown and grown since arriving at Holker Street from Championship Nottingham Forest in August, starting all but one of the matches since then and showing huge presence for a teenager at the heart of the team.

Casson knows he cannot stop Forest recalling their talented youngster at any time, and said: “The one unknown that I probably think about the most is a replacement for Ryan Yates, if Nottingham Forest discover what they have and want him back. He's the one I'm most afraid of, because we don't have any control over him.

“I'm sure they have TVs in Nottingham too, and he would be the most difficult to keep a handle on. That position, that box-to-box midfielder, who generates the natural enthusiasm, is very hard to find. We found a gem when we found him.

“At some point, hopefully not until the end of the season, Nottingham Forest will figure out what they have there.”

Barrow AFC have already sold all their hospitality packages for the FA Cup tie against Rochdale on the weekend of January 6 to 9, although there is a waiting list should the match be switched from the expected Saturday date.