BARROW AFC have had a major bid for Lincoln City striker Matt Rhead turned down.

The Bluebirds lodged the five-figure offer for Rhead last week, but the Imps have decided against selling the striker.

A statement on the Lincoln City website read: “The Club can confirm that it has turned down an offer from Barrow AFC for striker Matt Rhead.

“The five-figure offer for the club's leading scorer was received on the morning of the Forest Green Rovers game this past weekend and, following consultation with manager Chris Moyses, it was immediately declined by chairman Bob Dorrian.”

Speaking to BBC Radio Lincolnshire , Moyses said: “Matt has been attracting a lot of attention. He has had a great season for us and he is obviously going to come into the shop window for some people.

“The offer might have bought his left leg. That's about it!

“Matt is happy at Lincoln, he is scoring goals, playing very well and long may that continue.”

Barrow boss Paul Cox – who managed Rhead when they were at Mansfield Town – had been waiting for news from Lincoln on what he had described as 'a major, major signing at this level of football for any club.'

He said of Rhead, who has scored 18 goals this season: “He's third or fourth top-scorer in the league, but it's not just that. His presence would bring a lot to this football club.”

Rhead signed a two-year deal with Lincoln last summer when he moved from Mansfield.

Cox's bid for the striker comes two months after he brought another Lincoln man, Liam Hearn, to Holker Street on a month's loan.

That deal was made on loan transfer deadline day, with the Imps expressing their shock when the player decided to move to Barrow. Postponements and cup ties limited his action to just 80 minutes for the Bluebirds before he returned to Lincoln and reportedly apologised for his actions.