David Stephens has left Barnet after rejecting the club's offer of a new contract and the Bees will now seek compensation from his next club.

The 23-year-old centre-back was an almost ever-present last season, making 42 league appearances as Martin Allen’s side won the Conference for a record third time.

However, his deal at The Hive expired on Tuesday and the Bees have this afternoon confirmed the former Norwich City and Hibernian defender would be leaving after three years.

Adressing Stephens' exit, Allen told the club website: "Dave has been a tremendous player for us and I have really enjoyed working with him. He will always have a special place back here at Barnet and also for me.

"He was one of the key players in taking us back into the Football League and I am sure that Dave has a bright future and career ahead of him.

"It has been an absolute pleasure to work with him on and off the field. It is a disappointment to lose him but we have to move on."

He added: "Knowing that the negotiations were ongoing and that nothing had been settled, I have invited Michael Nelsen to train with us through pre-season with a view to looking at him for a contract."

Nelson, 35, spent last season with Cambridge United and the vastly experienced defender lists Hibernian, Bradford City and Norwich City among his former employers.

Speaking on Monday, Allen told the Times Series he was not handling negotiations with Stephens.

"I think talks are ongoing," stated Allen. "I have not been dealing with it; the chairman has been dealing with it."

As Stephens is under the age of 24, Barnet would be entitled to compensation for his services should he agree to join another side in England, assuming they have offered him a deal on a par with his existing contract.