PAUL Mullin says he will be more than happy to stay at Accrington Stanley if there are no improved bids for him – but he remains ambitious to play in League One before the end of his career.

It was revealed last week that Rochdale had bid £50,000 in an attempt to secure the 34-year-old striker’s services when the transfer window reopened in January.

That offer was turned down before Mullin had even been informed but Stanley chairman Eric Whalley has since said that a higher bid may force the Reds to sell.

It is not yet clear whether Rochdale will up their offer.

Stanley accepted a £75,000 bid from Shrewsbury for Mullin in January but the Reds legend opted to stay and sign a new two-and-a-half-year deal.

Eight years into his second spell with the club, he still has no great desire to leave but admits that ideally he would like to challenge himself at a higher level before he retires.

Rochdale are currently sixth in League Two but have now been in the fourth tier of English football for 35 consecutive seasons.

“It’s flattering to be linked with other clubs because it means I’m doing something right but it’s the club’s decision,” he said.

“No-one’s spoken to me about it so I presume they have just turned it down flat.

“It’s out of my hands. I’m happy at Accrington. I’ve been here a long time.

“I am ambitious, I do want to progress and I do want to try to get into the league above if I can, coming to my age with not many years left.

“But it’s the club’s decision, not mine.

“And whatever happens, I’d always give my best on the pitch. That will never change.”

l Stanley are in negotiations to allow loan players Rostyn Griffiths and Kieran Charnock to play against Tranmere in the FA Cup first round on Saturday.