AFC boss Paul Cox has denied star striker Andy Cook has been given an ultimatum to accept or reject a new Barrow deal by next week.

Reports circulating yesterday suggested that the club have offered Cook – who has 21 league goals to his name this season – a contract which would make him their highest-paid player.

Those same reports suggested Cook needed to make up his mind before the final match of the season against Wrexham next week.

However, Cox insists no such demands have been made and he still plans to sit down with the 26-year-old this week to discuss the situation and find a way to move forward.

“I’m going to sit down with Cooky this week and have a really good chat,” said Cox of a forward who is thought to be attracting interest from the likes of Football League sides Carlisle United and Hartlepool.

“I’ve spoken with the chairman (Paul Casson) over the last 24 hours about a package to put to Andy and then it’s all down to the player himself.

“I know the rumour mill is in full swing, as it is with a lot of people at this time of year.

“He’s been a good servant to the football club and we’d like to keep him – we’ve got to put something in front of him that hopefully will get him to stay.”

Asked if an ultimatum had been given to Cook, Cox added: “No. We’re going to put an offer in front of him and, obviously, we want to know as soon as possible on that, because I’m now in the process of sorting out numbers, budgets for next year.

“It will be a good offer to put to Cooky and hopefully we will get a decision and it comes to a conclusion as soon as possible.”