James Collins says Bakayogo situation is typical of modern day football.

First-team coach James Collins admits that club are 'no further forward' in their pursuit of defender Zoumana Bakayogo. The former Leicester City man is currently on holiday in France and he is still considering his options after enjoying a fine second half of the season with us.

Bakayogo battled back from two serious knee injuries to end the season in the Crewe Alexandra starting XI and boss Steve Davis has made it clear that the popular 29-year-old is his number one target when it comes to a new left-back.

Collins admits that getting a firm decision from Bakayogo has been slow, as he looks for other potential offers.

James told crewealex.net: “Steve (Davis) has a really good relationship with Zooms and his agent. He invited him in when he was injured and gave him that opportunity. He looked after him and I’m sure when the time is right, Zooms will talk to him.

“It has been strung out more than we would have liked but you always have to appreciate that Zooms has a family he has to look after and the players have that power nowadays. They don’t have to make a quick decision and can pick and choose when they want to come to a decision.

“You cannot hold a player to ransom and we all want him to stay. If we are approaching pre-season without a recognised left-back in the squad then we will need one. We will have to go elsewhere and he have some options there.

Collins said: “It can be a game of cat and mouse at this stage of pre-season and you have to play the game to a certain extent.”