DALE have reiterated their intention to hold on to star striker Grant Holt by insisting he will not be leaving the club for anything less than a 'substantial' fee.

In Saturday's Observer we exclusively revealed Yeovil's bid for Holt had been turned down while two offers from Swansea had also been rejected.

The 24-year-old scored 24 times for Dale last season, and Swansea chairman Huw Jenkins said: 'All I will say is that we have kept up our interest in Grant Holt and made it clear to Rochdale that we would like to sign him. Our offer still stands and we are waiting to see if there are any further developments.'

Yeovil boss Gary Johnson said this week: 'We did make a substantial offer which was rejected. Unless Rochdale reconsider that offer we will turn our sights to other targets,' he said.

Johnson's threat has been laughed off in the corridors of Spotland, for, as Dale director Jim Fagin revealed, Yeovil's offer for Holt was far from 'substantial.'

'The reported substantial bid from Yeovil was not substantial enough for us,' he said. 'We are looking to build a side capable of pushing for promotion next season and we aren't going to do that by selling one of our key players.

'Unless someone comes in with an offer we can't refuse then he'll be playing for Rochdale next season and hopefully beyond.'

Holt's current deal runs out at the end of next season. He has been offered a new, longer contract and is mulling over whether or not to accept.

Meanwhile, Dale goalkeeper Neil Edwards could be about to end his eight-year stay at Spotland with a move to Bury.

The long-serving stopper has been offered a new contract by Dale boss Steve Parkin, but has expressed his disappointment with the terms. Talks with Bury boss Graham Barrow were ongoing at the time the Observer went to press.

Lincoln City have joined the race for former Southend striker Tes Bramble, a player Parkin has identified as a possible target for Dale.

Imps boss Keith Alexander said: 'Tes is on our list. I'm trying all the time to bring people in, but I haven't spoken to him yet because he's away on holiday with his brother.'

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