Shrewsbury Town v Rotherham United: Talks over new Le Fondre deal put on hold by Moore

Moore is aware of the striker's plea for a new, improved deal but has yet to discuss his wage demands. If the two sides are unable to reach a compromise agreement, the club may reluctantly have to sell in the New Year transfer window.

"His agent has gone public saying that he wants a new contract so, when this game is out of the way, I am going to sit down with 'Alfie' and listen to his views," said Moore.

"At the moment, I don't know how he's feeling or what he is looking for in terms of wages.

"The good thing is that he has expressed his willingness to stay and that's what we want to happen too."

Le Fondre was a bargain 100,000 capture from Rochdale last summer and his value in the transfer market rocketed thanks to a return of 30 goals in his first season with the Millers.

Moore originally slapped a 3m price tag on the 23-year-old this summer but now concedes that the club may have to settle for less if they opt to sell.

Although Barnsley and Derby County were interested, Plymouth Argyle were the only club to officially submit a bid for Le Fondre before this week's August transfer deadline and there is a general lack of spending power across the Football League.

"It doesn't look like anyone will pay 3m but if someone offered 1.1m we would seriously have to think about the situation," said Moore. "That is still big money and could help re-establish this football club. We could put money in the bank and bring in three or four players. We don't want to sell him but every one has a price."

Le Fondre has made it clear that he does not want to play in League Two beyond the current season and Moore still feels that he is destined for the Premier League.

However, Moore is stressing the need for his young striker to improve his work-rate in order to fulfil his true potential.

"He thinks that you won't score goals if you are chasing balls down the channels," said Moore. "He thinks you always need to be in the box. Well, that's a load of cobblers.

"I don't remember Ian Rush always staying in the box and Wayne Rooney certainly doesn't stay in the box and he got 40 goals last season!" he argued.

"Alfie is one of the few strikers around right now with a one in three goal ratio. Once he adds that work ethic to his natural goalscoing ability, he'll have the lot."

Moore's bid to bring his striker son, Ian Thomas-Moore, to the club in a 30,000 deal from Tranmere Rovers now appears to have reached an impasse.

With Le Fondre staying on board, Nigerian striker Jeremiah Ani on a short-term deal, and strikers Tom Pope and Ryan Taylor only two weeks away from a return to first team action, the need for extra competition has faded.

Moore believes today's trip to Shrewsbury will be a real test of his side's promotion credentials and is looking forward to pitting his wits against Graham Turner.

The two managers were rivals for the signature of various players this summer including Ian Sharps, who quit the Millers, and Welsh international Mark Bradley who snubbed the Shrews.

Last six games: Shrewsbury WWDLWW, Rotherham WLDWWW

Last time: Shrewsbury 2 Rotherham 0; December 1, 2009, League Two.

Referee: TM Kettle (Rutland)

SkyBet odds: Shrewsbury to win 6-5, Rotherham to win 11-5, Draw 12-5.