BARROW AFC made two bids for Margate FC striker Freddie Ladapo bewfore the January transfer window closed.

Manager Paul Cox confirmed speculation that the Bluebirds were the National League club who had made two offers for the Kent club’s front man.

However, Cox said they had not made a third, believing AFC should now wait and see what happens with a player who is out of contract with the National League South club in the summer and attracting interest from a number of parties.

The 22-year-old former Colchester United striker, who has 10 goals for the Blues this season, has also been the subject of offers from an unnamed League Two side, but Barrow’s was said to be closer to Margate’s asking price.

Cox said: “We offered what we thought was a fair price for a lad who is out of contract in the summer.

“He’s the type we are looking for – he’s young, he’s got masses of potential and he is making not just clubs in the Conference, but clubs in the Football League to sit up and take notice.

“These players under contract have a cost and any good player who becomes available, it will always be the case that it is not just us who is in for him.

“We have to be patient and we will look at it again in the summer.”

AFC have brought in loan man Andy Parry on a new deal until the end of the season, having previously signed him for a month from Luton Town. However, Barrow missed out on the opportunity to bring winger Jack Mackreth back to Holker Street last week.

AFC were interested in signing their former player after his release by Grimsby Town, but Mackreth decided to make the move to Tranmere Rovers instead.