STUART McCall has made it clear that he does not want to lose Tony McMahon.

City have knocked back a bid from promotion rivals Scunthorpe for the defender, who came back from a sickness bug to play in Monday's win at Fleetwood.

McMahon is out of contract in the summer after signing a one-year deal before the start of the season.

But McCall hopes the 31-year-old will remain part of his plans until then – and stressed that the player is not looking to get away.

"As far as I know, Scunthorpe have made a bid which is not acceptable to us," said the City boss.

"But Tony is in no way looking to leave the club. So, the position is status quo for me and I want him in our squad 100 per cent."

McMahon missed Saturday's game against Oxford, sparking rumours that he would be on his way to the club currently one place above City in fourth. Yet he had been bed-ridden and was unable to eat for two days.

The defender declared himself fit enough to play on New Year's Day and got through the full game – an effort which McCall feels demonstrated his commitment to the cause.

"Macca was a bonus on Monday because we didn't expect to have him," said McCall.

"But he showed against Fleetwood how much it means. He wanted to be out there. I don't think he was fully fit after the illness but he wanted to prove a point.

"You have different illnesses. A cough and a cold is nowt but if you have a sickness, that drains you of energy and you can't eat. Sunday night was the first time he had eaten for a few days.

"But I spoke to him on the morning of the game, he had his pre-match and with Tyrell (Robinson) missing as well, I knew how desperately he wanted to play. That's a mark of the man."

Scunthorpe are in the market for an experienced right back after an injury to Jordan Clarke. But chairman Peter Swann indicated that the Iron would look elsewhere if City were reluctant to do business.

Swann said: "We put a bid in and if they want to let him go, great, and if they don't, they don't. We then go on to target number two and target number three."

The City players are on an extra day off today after the hectic holiday spell while the club's behind-the-scenes focus turns to the transfer window.

McCall wants to extend the loan deals with Alex Gilliead and Luke Hendrie as City look to bring in "three to four" additions during the next month.

"We've got a little bit of a breather now and we'll be discussing the loanees and signings," he said.

"As far as Tony's concerned, I know there's been a bid put in but it's nowhere near acceptable. Tony's happy here and we're more than happy with him."

Back-up keeper Lukas Raeder yesterday signed a new deal for the rest of the season but left back Tom Field has returned to Brentford.

Meanwhile, City's trip to Rotherham - put back because of the FA Cup this weekend - will now take place on Tuesday, January 23.