MARK STIMSON admits he may have to patient if he wants to sign Grays defender Jon Ashton.

Grays are in no rush to sell the 25-year-old centre back who is one of a number of players on Stimson's January hit-list.

Stimson said: "I spoke to the Grays chairman on Boxing Day and said to him I'm interested in John when the window opens again.

"He was honest and said nothing will happen in the first two weeks of the window because his club are still in the Trophy and a chance of the play-offs and you have to respect that.

"There are a couple of other targets in that area. He's one of a few centre halves that we'll be looking at and hopefully we'll be able to add to that area of the pitch."