Skipper Joe Walsh has put contract talks on hold to focus on helping Crawley avoid relegation.

Reds offered Walsh a new contract before Christmas with the defender’s current deal due to run out at the end of the season.

The former Wales Under-21 international has yet to respond to the offer and says he wants to channel all his energy into leading Crawley away from the foot of League One.

And Walsh is also determined not to be distracted by rumours of a potential move away from the Checkatrade.com Stadium before the transfer window closes on February 2.

Walsh said: “Obviously I was pleased the club offered me a new contract but I am just going to see how it goes. I love living down here and love the club but I want to keep my options open.

“I have heard rumours about other clubs being interested in me but it is the same old story every transfer window so I try not to think about that and just get on with my job.

“At the moment I am concentrating on trying to get results for Crawley than on my own future as we have got some important games coming up and need to start winning.”

Boss Dean Saunders is keen to hang on to Walsh along with fellow Welshman Gwion Edwards but admits Reds may have to cash in on the former Swansea centre-back.

Saunders said: “I’d imagine we will have some offers for players somewhere down the line and I might have to let some players go that I don’t want to let go to balance the squad up.

“Gwion is not going anywhere but Joe’s contract is up at the end of the season so it is a difficult situation. I don’t want to lose him so hopefully nobody will come in for him.”