CRESWELL TURNS DOWN BRISTOL CITY MOVE

The Sheffield Wednesday striker's decision ends weeks of work by City manager Danny Wilson to recruit the 22-year-old, who looks set to stay at Hillsborough.

Wilson said: "There were difficulties we could not resolve. That's football and you just have to get on with the job. We have always had other irons in the fire and inquiries about players have been ongoing.

"I would still hope to make a signing before the start of the season, but it all depends on the right striker being available. I still won't be rushed into making a mistake."

The Red Robins chairman John Laycock said: "Richard's agent had told us that he won't be moving at present and may well see out his contract at Sheffield Wednesday.

"The main problem was a contractual difficulty between Richard and Wednesday, which could not be settled."

Creswell's agent, Mel Stein said: "We are still talking with Preston, but couldn't reach a compromise with City over Richard's exit terms from Hillsborough.

"Sheffield Wednesday are contracted to pay up the two years of his contract before any transfer."

Meanwhile, on-trial goalkeeper Duncan Ayres is set to play in City's last major pre-season friendly against Wimbledon at Ashton Gate.

The 23-year-old comes from St. Austell in Cornwall, the same hometown as Leeds United and England keeper, Nigel Martyn.

Ayres will have his big chance as Wilson has yet to clinch a loan replacement for the injured Billy Mercer and Steve Phillips.

Ayres played in the second half of this week's 1-0 defeat at Chester City, where The Red Robins played a young side.

Wilson said: "Duncan did well enough on Tuesday and is a very bright character who has fitted in well. It's a great opportunity for him.

"We are pursuing several possibilities as far as a loan signing is concerned and the response to some enquiries has been positive so I'm hopeful."

Wilson will look to mix youth and experience players against Wimbledon, hoping to guard against any more injuries to key players.