ALEX boss Steve Davis admits it will be difficult to keep top scorer Bradden Inman at the club following relegation to League Two.

The 24-year-old Australian was the only player to hit double figures for the Gresty Road outfit last season, but his ten goals could not prevent Alex finishing bottom of League One.

His form has prompted interest from clubs in higher divisions and he could make his Australia debut against England at Wembley tomorrow, Friday.

Davis says he has held talks with the forward and is keen to speak with him further when his international involvement ends, but accepts the club’s demotion is likely to work against them.

“If there are bigger clubs interested then it is going to be difficult for us to convince him to stay, going down to League Two has not helped our cause either,” he said.

“Brad has been coming in to keep his fitness levels up but he has joined up with Australia now for the England game and we will have to see what happens after that, he wants to focus on that first.”

Inman joined the club from Newcastle United on a permanent basis in 2013 after a successful loan spell and has scored 20 goals in 117 league appearances for the Railwaymen.

Given his success with the club, Davis says he is not surprised to see clubs circling his prized asset but is adamant he is doing everything he can to persuade him to stay.

“He has had a good season and rediscovered the form that made us want to sign him from Newcastle in the first place,” he said.

“He has been linked with a number of clubs and if there is any substance in that, only Brad and his agent know.

“There is bound to be interest in him. He has talent, pace and can take a goal.

“We want to keep him and all we can do is talk to him and his agent to see if there is a chance.”

Davis is also waiting on a decision from defender Zoumana Bakayogo on whether or not he will sign the new contract offered to him at the season’s end.

The 29-year-old made 22 appearances for the Alex after joining in January and became a popular figure with the club’s fans.

The full-back, who lists Leicester City and Tranmere Rovers among his former employers, returned from two serious knee injuries to sign a short-term deal with Alex but Davis says the ball is now in the Ivorian’s court.

“We have had no decision from Zoumana yet, he has gone away to spend some time with his family and we are still waiting to hear from him,” he said.

“I’ve had some dialogue with his agent and we are waiting for a decision from the player, as his agent has advised him to sign with us. It is up to him.”