Mark Yates consults with PFA over handling of Izale McLeod

But he has confirmed the club’s topscorer from last season will not be featuring in the forthcoming campaign.

Yates revealed: “We have rejected a second bid from Notts County which doesn’t match the valuation the club have for Izale.

“Two weeks ago Izale told me he won’t be kicking a ball for this football club and he doens’t want us to stand in his way I don’t want people like that around.

“I don’t want to talk about him because there are 18 other players who have worked their socks off going forward towards Oxford.

“The situation with Izale will be resolved internally within the club.

“The offers have both been money (not dependant upon getting promoted) but they have not matched the valuation of the club.

“He’s signed a two-year contract here and unless someone meets that valuation, he’s just going to be sitting in the stand because he doesn’t want to play for the club.

“I’ve spoken to the PFA and although he said what he said I have to get on with it and keep giving him training.

“He isn’t in today because I have told him to take a couple of days off and we can focus on the group.”

Yates denied it has been disruptive to the team’s preparations. He said: “It hasn’t been too bad but it’s not ideal. It is what it is. He is still getting paid.

“If someone meets our valuation then he goes, if not then he sits in the stands.”

Don’t miss out on all the latest breaking news where you live.

Here are four ways you can be sure you’ll be amongst the first to know what’s going on.

1 Make this website your homepage

2 Like our Facebook page at facebook.com/pages/Sport-Sussex

3 Follow us on Twitter @SportSussex

4 Register with us by clicking on ‘sign in’ (top right corner). You can then receive our daily newsletter AND add your point of view to stories that you read here.

And do share with your family and friends - so they don’t miss out!