Brentford boss Andy Scott says he will not be held to ransom over striker Charlie MacDonald’s contract negotiations.

The 29-year-old - out of contract in the summer - was offered a new deal on Tuesday, days after his cross shot was turned in by Ben Strevens to help the Bees to a draw at Leeds United.

MacDonald, the club’s joint leading scorer with ten goals this season, said he was pleased talks have finally been opened and is looking to tie up an agreement as soon as possible.

But Scott reckons there is little room negotiation on the value of the deal and that while he will do his level best to keep one of his star men, he is prepared for the worst.

“I have spoken to Charlie’s agent this week and hopefully we can come to an agreement over the next week or two,” he said.

“We have made him a very good offer based on our financial situation, what he’s done for the club and what he might do over the next couple of years.

“We have to be prepared for the scenario where he chooses not to accept the offer.

“I can’t be held to ransom over things like this. I believe I make fair offers to my players. They have to understand the grass isn’t always greener on the other side of the fence.

“Players have to recognise where they are happy and playing well, and where their career can blossom. Sometimes that is worth more.”

MacDonald has made no secret of his desire to stay at a club for whom he has made more first team appearances than any other he has played for in the past.

“The fact that talks have started is finally what I wanted. There was talk about a contract being offered and now it has happened,” he added.

“I want to get the deal done and start looking ahead to next year.”

MacDonald’s position comes in contrast to left back Ryan Dickson, who has told his manager he will not sign the new deal that was first put on the table in October.

Dickson has received rave reviews this season - particularly from Southampton’s Alan Pardew - and Scott admits he is all-but resigned to losing one of his star men.

“We are desperate to keep him, but he has indicated he is not signing the contract,” he said.

“There is interest from clubs at a higher level, so we are not in control of these things anymore.

“At the same time, I don’t feel we can just stop the process there. We have still got to do what we can to try and keep our best players.

“We have to accept players attract attention when they do well. Financially we are close to a point where enough is enough and we have got to do what is right by the football club.”