FC Halifax Town have had a second offer rejected for out-of-contract Chester FC midfielder Kingsley James.
Rotherham-born James was a notable absentee as the Blues squad reported back for the start of pre-season on Monday morning.
Halifax failed with an bid for the 23-year-old last month with Chester manager Steve Burr describing that offer as 'derisory' .
The West Yorkshire have since come back another bid, but again that has been rejected out of hand.
James confirmed he would be leaving the club on June 1 having turned down an improved deal but Chester are entitled to compensation as the England C international is under 24-years-old.
IN PICTURES: Kingsley James' time with Chester FC
Asked this week what the future held for James, Burr admitted he was in the dark and becoming frustrated with the saga.
Burr said: "Do you know what? I've got no idea.
"We've had an offer from Halifax that we rejected because it was way off our valuation.
"They came back again and offered another package for him, which again was nowhere near what we value him at.
"I'm really gutted to be losing him because I wanted him here but at the minute there's been nothing at Halifax to say that he's signed so I really don't know what's happening with Kingsley.
"It will be resolved one way or the other because it will have to be but at the minute we're miles apart with the two clubs valuations."
James moved to Chester last summer on a 12-month deal after leaving Hereford United.
He was the club's most impressive performer over the first half of the campaign although his form dipped from January onwards.
In total he made 46 appearances for the club, scoring three goals.
Burr has resigned himself to being without the ex-Sheffield United midfielder but wants the situation resolved sooner rather than later as whatever compensation is received has been earmarked for squad strengthening.
The Chronicle understands the offers from Halifax have been so far below Chester's asking price that a tribunal looks the most likely outcome at the moment.
"It is a little bit frustrating because whatever compensation we get I'll want to use in the right way to strengthen at our end," said Burr.
"One thing I'm sure of is that Kingsley will not be with us and I'm sure that, with hearing one or two things, he will be a Halifax player but at the minute our valuations of the player are miles apart.
"It could possibly go to tribunal but I hope not because I'd like to get it solved before then but if that's what it will take then that's what it will have to do."
