Curle admits Holmes could leave Cobblers due to limit on squad sizes

Cobblers boss Keith Curle says the club are not currently in a position to offer Ricky Holmes a new contract due to the new rule limiting squad sizes.

Holmes signed an appearance-based deal in November but that expired on Saturday and he is yet to be offered a new one, although he remains in regular dialogue with the club.

The 22-man squad size regulations were brought in during the summer alongside the salary cap which limits Sky Bet League One clubs’ spending to £2.5million per season.

Blackpool loanee Joe Nuttall was taken off Northampton's squad list last week to make room for the signing of Lloyd Jones, and discussions have also taken place with Brentford over the possibility of defender Luka Racic being recalled.

However, with Curle targeting further signings now the January transfer window has opened, there is currently no space for Holmes.

"There's ongoing conversations with Ricky," said Curle. "We're mindful of the fact that we've got to create a number of places in the squad due to the 22-man limit.

"At the moment I'm not in a position to offer Ricky a contract as that would take up a place which we'd potentially need if another player becomes available."

Curle accepts that Cobblers now risk losing Holmes should another club come in for him in the next few weeks.

He added: "We know we run the risk that Ricky could get an offer from somewhere else because now he's proved his fitness, he's proved his value and he's also proved that he's over the injury he had.

"We're aware that he will be free to leave if another offer comes in but we both understand that. I had a conversation with Ricky the other day and he understands the position that I'm in on behalf of the football club.

"We're not currently in a position to commit because there are other priotities within the team that I need to bring in to make sure that we stay competitive in this division."