The 20-year-old’s contract expired with the Alex at the end of June and the winger has yet to pen terms on a new agreement.

Due to him being under the age of 24, any interested Club would have to pay compensation and so far there have been no signs on whether the youngster with be staying or going with the new season just over a week away.

Steve explained to crewealex.net: “The contract is there. I’ve had dialogue with his agent and himself, he knows our stance on his position in terms of we want him to sign and stay. We’re waiting for that commitment to now come from him. 

“I haven’t spoken to his agent for other a week now. I think he’s just seeing what’s about there, which is an obligation he has like any player out of contract, and that’s his prerogative to do that and we accept that.

“What he’s got to understand is that I have to pick a team of contracted, committed players and I have to have 11 against Vale who are totally committed 100% and Ryan obviously hasn’t committed so he understands that I can’t use him at the moment.”