Boss says Lowe remains top loan market but he will explore other options if Bury striker not allowed back out.

Steve Davis says he would still like to re-sign Ryan Lowe on loan until the end of the season but he expects the 37-year-old striker to remain at Gigg Lane until at least the conclusion of their FA Cup tie against Bradford City. The former MK Dons striker remains his number one loan target.

The Shakers have an FA Cup replay against Bantams on Tuesday evening and Davis is hoping that Lowe’s future can be clarified following that fixture before he explores other potential targets.

The Alex boss told the club’s official web-site: “We are still talking to Ryan and his agent and he knows are situation.

“Bury have an FA Cup replay against Bradford and I’m sure they will want him involved in that somewhere along the line. We will see where we stand after that.

“We have declared our interest and all we can do is wait and see. If he isn’t available then we would have to look at doing something else. We have one or two in mind who could help but it can be difficult because there is not a glut of goalscorers about, especially in January when clubs re-assess what they need.”