GRAYS ATHLETIC insist defender Jay Leader remains a Grays player, despite interest from a number of fellow Ryman clubs.

The versatile Leader, who is commonly regarded as one of the best players in his position in the Ryman Premier League, has been the subject of interest from Cray Wanderers, with Maldon & Tiptree also believed to be interested, among other clubs.

Although both play in the Ryman One North, a tier below Grays, Leader has held talks with Cray Wanderers after they put in a seven-day approach for his services.

The Gazette understands Cray’s offer matched the money Leader is on at Blues, but Grays chairman Andy Swallow insists the player, who was unavailable for Saturday’s 3-1 win against Farnborough, remains on Grays’ books.

“He’s a Grays player,” said Swallow. “He will be at training this week and he remains registered with the club.”