Martin Allen insists keeping Andy Yiadom at Barnet is not a lost cause and has implored chairman Tony Kleanthous to “push the boat out” to keep the Bees captain.

Yiadom, 24, is out of contract at the end of the season and has turned down the offer of a new deal to remain at The Hive.

The full-back-cum-winger has therefore been transfer listed in a bid to bring in a fee for the former England ‘C’ international.

Yiadom was subject of several offers from League One side Barnsley in the summer worth up to £250,000.

However, they were turned down with Allen labelling the bids derogatory and derisory and promising to let Yiadom leave this summer.

It appears almost certain the former Watford player will move on at the end of his contract but Allen hasn’t given up hope of holding onto his captain.

“It’s not a lost cause,” Allen told the Times Series. “I’ve encouraged him to stay at Barnet.

“The chairman has sat down and spoken with him and I think we should push the boat out to keep him.”

Allen continued: “How much he’s improved over the last couple of years [has been impressive]. He’s done fantastic.

“I think he should stay at Barnet for one more year then bigger and better things will open up for him.

“I don’t think he should throw it away now. He will only get better and better.”

Yiadom joined the Bees from Braintree Town in January 2012 and has made 170 appearances in all competitions, scoring 13 goals.