Shrewsbury Town today confirmed they have rejected a bid from League One Colchester for Grant Holt – as the future of some members of the ‘out-of-contract’ six became clearer.

As Steve Leslie signed a new contract and Darren Moss verbally refused his one-year extension, Simpson revealed that the club had turned down an offer for last season’s leading scorer.

“There was a bid for Grant from Colchester but it was just totally unacceptable and it was dismissed straight away,” said Town boss Paul Simpson today.

“As far as I’m aware, there has been no further contact. We don’t want to sell Grant and we are in the fortunate position where we don’t have to sell him.”

Colchester, however, have not give up hope that a deal can yet be struck. “Our first offer was rejected by Shrewsbury but we are still in negotiations to get him on board,” said Colchester chief executive Steve Bradshaw.

“He has a good goalscoring record, is a strong forward and also has the kind of work ethic that (manager) Paul Lambert requires from his players.

“We are very keen to bring him in but there is obviously a line that we won’t cross financially in our aims of becoming a sustainable Championship club both on and off the pitch.”

Meanwhile, Simpson has seen his squad take further shape after Leslie signed his two-year contract.

In further developments, Moss has indicated that he will reject the one-year extension – believed to be on reduced terms – with all the signs that he will sign elsewhere shortly.

As exclusively revealed in yesterday’s Star Sport, Simpson is hopeful Kelvin Langmead will pen his two-year contract in the next few days – while it’s a similar story with Chris Humphrey.

The Town boss is still waiting for final decisions from Ben Davies and Omer Riza.

“I’m really pleased Steve has signed,” added Simpson.

“I think he has got a lot more to do but he has got so much promise.

“Darren has decided he is going to move on. He’s done well for me since I came to the club, particularly last season when his fitness was excellent.

“It’s disappointing but that’s football and we wish him well.”

Simpson also indicated he is closing in on signing a right back and two new goalkeepers – one senior stopper and one young professional.

Exclusive by JAMES GARRISON