Crawley boss John Gregory insists he has not closed the door on Emile Sinclair even though the striker looks set to leave the club.

Sinclair was left out of the match-day squad for Crawley’s 2-2 draw at Rotherham United on Saturday after it emerged he was in talks to join League Two outfit Mansfield Town.

The 26-year-old has struggled to make an impact since joining from Peterborough for £100,000 in August – scoring four goals in 21 appearances - and it appears Reds are ready to cut their losses.

Gregory said: “He’s been talking with another team over the last few days but I don’t think anything has been completed so he’ll be back with the squad this week.

“He’s part of my squad and as far as I’m concerned until that changes we will continue to try to get the best out of him. I think there is a good player in there somewhere and so it’s my job to try to find out what makes him tick.”

The absence of Sinclair meant Gregory had to include 19-year-old midfielder Alex Malins on the bench and the Reds boss admits that shows he still needs to strengthen his squad before the transfer window closes on Friday. He added: “I’ve got my eye on one or two We just need a bit more competition for places.”