BURY have rejected a third bid for star striker James Vaughan, while Middlesbrough are chasing youngster George Miller.

The Shakers turned down two bids for Vaughan from a Championship club last month – the highest being £500,000.

And a third offer, believed to be from Sunderland, has been knocked back this week as Bury prepare to gamble on keeping the 28-year-old, who is in the final year of his contract.

Clark revealed he and chairman Stewart Day sat down with Vaughan on Tuesday to discuss his future.

He said: “Another bid from a Championship club has been turned down since we came away (on a training camp in Marbella).

“It did not meet the valuation we have for James.

“We don’t want to sell him and no matter what we won’t be selling him to another League One club.

“If James wants to go to a club that is in a higher division then that’s up to James, but his valuation must be met. We made that perfectly clear to James, he has given us his feedback and there are no issues.”

Meanwhile, Middlesbrough have made enquiries into signing 18-year-old striker Miller.

No offers have yet been accepted but talks are ongoing between the two clubs.

On the incoming transfer front, Clark is interested in taking England Under-20s’ World Cup-winning goalkeeper Freddie Woodman on loan from Newcastle United.

The Shakers are in the market for a new shot-stopper to compete with Joe Murphy for the number one shirt. Ex-York City keeper Kyle Letheren has been on trial and played the second half of the pre-season opener against Sunderland. However, it is not thought the 29-year-old will be offered a deal.

“At this moment in time Joe hasn’t got a challenge,” Clark said.

“I have got a target in mind which I am working hard on.

“I am going to have to be patient and be brave because it might have to go right down to the last couple of days before the season starts, unless something else appears.”