Notts County have received offers to take two players on loan from non-league clubs as boss Neal Ardley warned them there is no guarantee of a Football League move in January.
The Magpies boss did not disclose their identities but it is likely to be those who are not involved in his plans such as Matt Tootle, Tom Crawford and Christian Oxlade-Chamberlain.
Ardley told a fans’ forum in midweek that some players have already turned down loan moves away in the hope of getting a move in January when Football League clubs are able to do business again.
But Ardley insisted there is no guarantee they will get the move they want given it is likely to be a market when supply far outweighs demand.
“We are trying,” he said.
“We have had one and half offers to take players on loan.
“I say one and a half because the second offer we haven’t actually had it properly because it’s come through an agent.
“We have said to the agents and the players that if people want to wait until January then you are facing an open market.
“You are waiting for all the league players to be available.
“At the moment, clubs are looking at us and players who aren’t playing because they are going into a busy Christmas schedule and want to top up their squads.
“It’s an opportunity to get out and play. But if it gets to January why are clubs going to come for them when there are going to be loads more available.
“We are going to have to be careful of that. It’s not just their careers, but they must hate not playing on Saturday. I feel for them because I’ve been there myself.
“It’s got to be tough. You go shopping with the wife when the team is away from home and it feels alien.
“I feel the pain they are going through, but unfortunately when you have a big squad. You can’t keep 26 people happy.”
