WANDERERS skipper Dave McCracken is stalling on signing a new two-year deal.

The 27-year-old Scot who has been the subject of transfer speculation this month was offered the improved offer a couple of months ago and has so far not put pen to paper.

He is the second Wanderer to keep his options open.

Fellow central defender Mike Williamson has also delayed inking the club’s offer of new improved deal.

Both could leave for free in the summer if the club can’t persuade them to sign up.

But manager Peter Taylor won’t be holding a gun to their heads.

Wanderers haven’t issued any take-it-or-leave ultimatums and Taylor – who has already secured the services of Leon Johnson, Gary Holt and Craig Woodman on renewed contracts – is happy for them to bide their time.

He said: “That’s the modern game. They are within their rights to do so and it has not affected their form at all.

“They are doing the professional thing. David was offered a good contract but he has decided to wait and look at his options.”

Taylor is confident he can persuade both men to sign on the dotted line, but believes winning promotion could be key to to keeping the ambitious duo.

McCracken joined the club two years ago from Dundee United after being persuaded to swap Scottish Premiership clashes against Rangers and Celtic for a League Two promotion battle by former Blues boss Paul Lambert.

His performances since heading south have brought him to the attention of other clubs.

Wanderers have received at least one enquiry for his services in this transfer window although, at the time of going to press, this has not materialised into a formal concrete offer.

McCracken looks set to return to Blues’ squad for tomorrow’s trip to Bournemouth after missing the last two matches with a hamstring injury.

He has trained all week and is pressing for an instant return to the back four.