January transfer news: AFC Telford receive bid for James Montgomery

The 22-year-old's impressive form this season has put him on the radar of several sides and now the Tynesiders are understood to have put in an offer.

Full-time outfit Gateshead currently sit eighth in non-league's top tier – one division above the Bucks, who play in National League North – and are a club much closer to home for the Mackem.

Managed by Neil Aspin, the Heed are currently six points off the National League play-off places.

It is unclear at the moment how much money is on the table.

The Bucks' record sale to date stands at £25,000 – which was the fee when Duane Courtney left to join Burnley in 2005, and understood to be the figure when Mike Phenix was sold to Barnsley in 2014.

Montgomery, who has kept eight clean sheets in the league this term, admitted after the 1-0 loss at Kidderminster Harriers this past weekend he may have played his last game for Telford.

After the match, he admitted he had a tear in his eye and had a message for the fans.

"Thanks for the support and keep getting behind the lads, like they do every week," he said.

"They are brilliant to play for so cheers to the away support that has came here, and thanks to everyone who has been so supportive over the last two years – I can't thank them enough."

Montgomery, a relative of Sunderland legend Jim, trains with Sunderland in the early part of each week.

He was signed by Telford in March 2015 and played a key role as the Bucks survived in the National League North this season and recently earned a call-up to the England C squad.

He has also signed up to Leicester and England striker Jamie Vardy's V9 Academy.

Boss Rob Smith stated that he expected bids for Montgomery during January, and confirmed that he wouldn't stand in his way if the keeper decided to make a move to a higher level.

Bucks chairman Ian Dosser confirmed an offer has been received from a National League side, but did not not name the club who have made the bid.