Stags reject bids for young star duo

Winger Clucas had attracted interest from two clubs in League One while centre half Tafazolli’s bid came from Scottish Premier League club Dundee United. But Cox said that the bids made were ‘a million miles’ from the club’s valuation.

“Both offers were turned down flat and we move on,” said Cox. “In football everyone has a price as does everyone in life. But we don’t want to lose our best players from this football club and I am not just going to give players away.

“I have informed the players what is happening and also spoken to their representatives. They understand the scenario.

“I can’t stop people bidding for my players. I take it as a positive and it excites me a bit that we have two young players who are being coveted by clubs from higher divisions.

“But we won’t just roll over. If players move on then we want to be properly compensated. I have got to do the best for this football club and, at the moment, the offers are a million miles away from where we value the players.

“I am hoping we don’t get any more clubs in for our best players and we can keep hold of them. But, football is football and if an offer comes in that the chairman accepts, then my job is to go out and replace them.

“There have also been enquiries about other players here from clubs higher up the pyramid. We do have other good, young players coming through and it looks really healthy for the future of the club.”

Tafazolli picked up two club awards at the end of last season while Clucas claimed the Golden Boot, scoring 13 goals.

Cox said: “Sam has been brilliant and a dream to work with since he’s been here. He listens and learns and his game has come on leaps and bounds. He can go to the very top.

“We took Ryan Tafazolli off the street 18 months ago and worked on him, not only physically but also on mindset. Now he is another player that could potentially go all the way.”