King's Lynn boss Tommy Taylor admitted yesterday that he was running out of patience with absent defender Grant Cooper.

King's Lynn boss Tommy Taylor admitted yesterday that he was running out of patience with absent defender Grant Cooper.

The cultured centre-half has yet to return for pre-season training after being offered a new deal.

“We've been back three weeks now and I haven't heard from him,” said Taylor. “I don't know whether he wants to see what other offers are out there but we can't afford to let it drag on. He was happy with the terms before he went on holiday and I don't think travelling is a problem. I just want an answer this week.”

Ex-Lincoln stopper Simon Weaver is another Taylor target determined to keep his options open.

“I think the door might be closed on that one,” said Taylor. “He wants to try and get fixed up at Nationwide North level or higher. He decided not to come to training last week. Things might change but I'm not worried - we're still chasing one or two in that position.”

Former Norwich City academy defender Greg Crane - who joined Lynn for pre-season training from Ridgeons Premier champions Lowestoft - is attracting attention from Conference National neighbours Cambridge United.

The Abbey Stadium outfit have also invited Linnets youngster Luke Fell and Liam Forshaw to pre-season training.

“Luke has spoken to me and the chance is there to go over for a couple of days,” confirmed Taylor. “Both are not under contract so they are free to have a look. I won't put any pressure on them but they stand a better chance of first team football with us. I don't see the point of travelling just to play in their Ridgeons League side - they can get that experience with us.

“If Greg is able to get a full-time contract good luck to him - whether they can offer what he would need to make it worthwhile is another question.”

Taylor hopes no news is good news regarding coveted keeper Shaun Marshall and ex-Norwich midfielder Lee Blackburn.

“Lee was meeting Crawley on Monday,” said Taylor. “That one's really a case of 'wait and see'. If he wasn't happy there and didn't enjoy his football last season I think he'd be better having a change of scene. Shaun was expecting to go down to Torquay last week but he turned up at training on Thursday. I'll speak to him at training. If Torquay don't come back in hopefully he'd be happy to stay with us.”

Torquay boss Ian Atkins revealed yesterday that he was tracking former Bristol Rovers stopper Ryan Clarke.