FOREST Green and Luton Town are in a January sales bidding war to land coveted AFC Wimbledon striker Christian Jolley.

The SNJ understands the Blue Square Premier title rivals have each tabled £25,000 bids and a further £5,000 if the buying club wins promotion.

Jolley, 24, scored five goals in as many games for fellow BSP side Newport County, who saw a £20,000 bid for the loan star rebuffed by the Dons.

Rovers boss David Hockaday and Luton counterpart Paul Buckle are understood to have met the tall striker, and it will now be left to Jolley to choose his final destination.

Meanwhile, Newport boss Justin Edinburgh insists there is no way he’d get involved in a financial game for a striker who has four months left on his AFC Wimbledon contract.

He said: “If a club wants to pay potentially £30,000 on someone who’s got just four months left on his contract, then good luck to them. I’m not going to though because I don’t think a player at this level is worth it.

“They might think they are clever with their scouting reports. But the truth is it’s lazy to see someone take a chance on a player who is available, then nick him on the back of the good form he shows for that club. I try to do thing right.”

Chairman Dale Vince confirmed to the SNJ last month that a war chest will be made available if the former Watford and Southampton coach decides to delve into the transfer market.

Vince said: “It's fair to say that we're always looking ahead, planning for next season now, and have our eye on a few players. Maybe January will bring something. What we won't do is get to the end of this season and have gaps in the squad.”

Hockaday concurred with his chairman and said: “As a club we’re always looking to improve our squad and if something becomes available in January then we will look at it.”