Stalybridge Celtic have turned down an offer from League One strugglers Scunthorpe United for their 20-year-old England C international striker Connor Jennings.

Bridge chairman Rob Gorski says the undisclosed bid made by the Iron, who are managed by former Bury boss Alan Knill, falls well short of the Celts’ six-figure valuation.

But Bower Fold chiefs are understood to be preparing for further approaches for Jennings, who has hit 19 goals so far this term, including one on his international debut against Gibraltar last month.

Several other League clubs are known to have the young goalgetter on their radar, among them Sheffield United and Brentford.

Gorski said: "We expect a six-figure fee for Connor and have had a number of clubs showing an interest.

"We will not stand in his way, even though we’d be very disappointed to see him go, but Scunthorpe’s offer grossly undervalues his worth. We have never had a player like him – he’s hugely talented.

"There were eight scouts watching our two recent FA Trophy ties with Stockport County, in which Connor scored three times, and we’ll wait and see how things unfold over the next week or two."

Jennings, a product of Stalybridge’s youth system, has really blossomed this season and is now regarded as one of non-League football’s hottest properties.

He has scored 50 times in 78 starts for the Celts since netting on his debut as a substitute against Hinckley nearly three years ago.

But Jennings, whose elder brother, James, plays for Cambridge United, wasn’t on target for once as Celtic failed to cut Hyde’s eight-point lead at the top of Blue Square Bet North in a 1-1 draw at Ewen Fields on Boxing Day.

Instead, it was Jennings’ strike partner, Phil Marsh, who stunned the home fans in a bumper crowd of 1,868 by firing second-placed Bridge in front after just two minutes.

But Gary Lowe’s table-topping Tigers came roaring back with defender Gianluca Havern snatching an 82nd minute equaliser to leave the position at the summit unchanged as the pair prepare to meet again at Bower Fold on New Year’s Day (3pm).

Meanwhile, Droylsden will be seeking instant revenge for their 5-1 drubbing at Altrincham when the sides square up for part two of their festive season double-header at the Butcher’s Arms on the same afternoon.

Evo-Stik North leaders Curzon Ashton start the New Year by hosting neighbours Mossley on Bank Holiday Monday, while Ashton United entertain Evo-Stik Premier title chasers Northwich.

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