NATHAN Arnold may have played his last game for Mansfield Town as he continues to hold off signing a new deal and boss David Holdsworth homes in on new signings.
Holdsworth has a series of promising talks with players on his wanted list this week that could see him spend virtually all of his budget and have 95 per cent of his squad in place.
And, after two unsuccessful sets of talks to persuade Arnold to stay, the Stags boss may now look elsewhere.
"We have sat down and spoken again but still come to no agrement," said Holdsworth.
"I do like Nathan - he is a great lad. But I have to manage my budget levels and players must understand it is not personal.
"You have to want to be at this club and understand we are not the biggest payers. Sometimes the grass is not always greener.
"I am not sure where Nathan wants to go but we will have to wait and see if anyone comes in for him. I have given him another opportunity to sign for us, but if he wants to move on there is no problem."
He added: "With all due respect to Nathan, I may have spent my budget by the end of this week.
"Players are now coming out of the woodwork and I have some very healthy situations. I could have virtually my whole squad for next season, including wingers.
"I am in talks with a certain amount of players and have some very attractive meetings lined up this week. If all the homework I have done comes off and I get the players I want then that will be 95 per cent of my squad.
"I am rubbing the genie of the lamp as hard as I can."
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