The drawn-out battle to take control of Wrexham has taken another twist with local businessman Neville Dickens pulling his consortium out of the running.

Dickens has halted negotiations with Alex Hamilton because he feels the controversial club owner is trying to force up the price by playing him off against another consortium headed by Surrey-based Andrew Smith.

'I've told Mr Hamilton that we will not counsel any more negotiations until he gets back to me,' Dickens told the Western Mail.

'If he comes back to me I will regenerate our people and see what I can do.

'But I don't see what more I can do at the moment. Our figures stack up at the price we have agreed and we will not be drawn into a Dutch auction.

'It is very disappointing because I know the fans are behind our bid and we want to do what is best for the club.'