Shrewsbury Town boss Paul Hurst issues transfer warning
Paul Hurst has warned rivals that Shrewsbury hold all the aces when it comes to interest in their star players.
Montgomery Waters Meadow has been inundated with scouts tracking the progress of the men that have fired Town into the promotion shake-up after originally being tipped for the drop.
With a number of their star turns contracted until beyond the end of the current season, only a hefty figure would see Town consider selling.
Town's boss confirmed that no official approaches have yet been made for his players and issued a warning to would-be pursuers.
"I'm sure there are some clubs interested in my players," said Town's boss. "All I'd say there is that we hold the strong hand. They are our players and they are under contract.
"Ultimately if there is anyone showing an interest in any of the players they'd have to pay some very good money.
"If that situation occurs then we'd be in a decent position.
"The danger is that you've still got to find replacements. The way that we've set up we have to go with loans and you can only have five of those in your matchday squad."
Hurst, who currently has the maximum quota of five loan players permitted on a matchday, admits he would prefer not to take six loan signings.
Some of the current loan deals are understood to be up for discussion next month with possible re-call options in place.
The Shrewsbury boss has been happy to work with one of the smaller squads among League One's frontrunners, but injuries and suspensions can take their toll as Town contend to keep the pace.
He warned: "We've got to be careful of letting people go that are permanent players for us.
"If not then suddenly the squad does look thin. Unless you're going to go out and buy players or be looking to find a free agent then there's only so many loans you can bolster a squad with.
"It's also the fact with the loan players, nothing is absolutely definite. It's a case of suck it and see and keep your fingers crossed.
"As a club I don't think we could've done much more to be in a good position. You'd like to think people will want to come to Shrewsbury Town because of the position we're in."
