KEITH Alexander has been a busy boy since being appointed Bury's first director of football two weeks ago - speaking to 'more than 50' transfer targets already.

He has been encouraged by preliminary talks with those on his wish list and has vowed that the Shakers will have a 'very good side next season'.

Alexander, who is proving his reputation for having a vast amount of player contacts, said: "I have drawn up a list of targets and have spoken to more than 50 players about joining the club.

"I have taken a lot of encouragement from those talks but I have not signed anyone yet as we don't want to be paying players unnecessary before pre-season training starts on Thursday, July 5. I am very confident that we will sign a lot of good players in the next few months and we will have a very good side next season."

One of the players that Alexander has been speaking to is centre back Darran Kempson. He has been released by Crewe and been offered a permanent deal at Bury having impressed on loan at the Gigg Lane club last season.

Another of Bury's recent loan players, midfielder Williams Mocquet, is also a free agent having been shown the door by Sunderland. But, as things stand, Alexander has resisted the temptation to make a move for Mocquet, preferring to concentrate on other options instead.

Meanwhile, Bury are still waiting to hear if Aaron Grundy, Colin Woodthorpe, Andy Parrish, Nicky Adams, David Buchanan and Marc Pugh are to accept their new contract offers.

All six players are out of contract. Alexander is confident that five of them will stay but is less optimistic about Pugh, who is said to be considering other offers.

Source:  Prestwich Advertiser