SAINTS' transfer-listed full-back Steve Prescott has still not sorted out his contract wrangle with the club - more than six months after asking for a better deal!

A 23-year-old local product, Steve asked for an upgrading on returning from the Great Britain tour of New Zealand last autumn, but this was refused and he reluctantly asked for a move.

He was listed at £200,000 but Saints have received no inquiries for his services, and Prescott believes this is because the asking price is too high.

"But in reality I don't want to leave Knowsley Road," he said, "and on the basis that my contract talks were on-going I spoke with Saints before Wembley and was given an assurance that negotiations would re-open after the Cup Final.

"However, I was then offered a small increase, but I think I have proved myself at Saints and am worth more," added Prescott, who was a contender for the Lance Todd Trophy at Wembley and broke Geoff Pimblett's 24-point record when he made his international debut against France last season.

"Being near bottom of the pay scale at Knowsley Road is disheartening and I feel my loyalty is being compromised, and unless the board can come up with a more realistic offer I will have to consider whatever options are open to me," added Steve.

Said Saints' chairman Eric Ashton: "After I had spoken to Steve, Saints made him a final offer by letter last week, which we believe is a reasonable one and is also as far as we can go at present. If he does not accept it he will have to stay on the terms of his existing contract for a further two years."

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