ACCRINGTON Stanley look set to lose Jimmy Ryan with the midfielder understood to have verbally agreed a deal to join Scunthorpe.

The 22-year-old , who is currently on holiday, is thought to be scheduled to undergo a medical at Scunthorpe on Monday.

Stanley assistant boss Jimmy Bell said last night he was not aware that Scunthorpe had approached the Reds to express their interest — although the League One side are not obliged to make contact before signing the player.

Ryan is out of contract at Stanley but the Reds had offered him a new two-year deal and would be entitled to a fee under the terms of the Bosman ruling because he is under the age of 24.

“We haven’t heard anything from Scunthorpe,” said Bell.

Bell said in April that Stanley would push for as much as £750,000 should the midfielder leave, but Scunthorpe are expected to only be prepared to go to between £250,000 and £300,000, and may be content to go a tribunal if a fee cannot be agreed.

The Glanford Park side are said to have paid as little as £70,000 when they signed Bobby Grant from Stanley under the same circumstances last summer.

The clubs did eventually agree a fee on that occasion, with Stanley short of cash at the time, but the Reds’ improved financial status may mean they fight for a much higher price on this occasion.

Stanley are also set to lose 24-year-old left back Joe Jacobson to Shrewsbury on a free but have not given up on retaining Terry Gornell, despite reports last night that he had turned down his offer of a two-year contract.

The Reds are optimistic they have fended off interest in 22-year-old Alex Cisak, after dismissing out of hand Oldham’s offer to take the keeper on a free transfer with a 10 per cent sell-on clause, and remain hopeful of retaining the rest of their squad.

Bell says he expects the likes of Dean Winnard, Andy Procter, Sean Hessey and Ian Dunbavin to stay, but Stanley have seen defensive target Mark Hughes join Bury.