Former Liverpool striker Newby scored 11 times for the Shrimps this term after linking up with Morecambe on a free transfer from Southport last summer, but McIlroy decided to release the 29-year-old last week.

McIlroy told the Lancashire Evening Post: "It is the worst part of managing a football club when you have to tell a player they can go.

"It is not a part of the job I enjoy at all. Jon is a smashing professional and a great lad who has done well for us, but I've decided I need to freshen things up next season.

"We've had interest from a Scottish First Division club in Jon, so hopefully he will get sorted out."

Meanwhile, according to local press reports, the club have tabled a formal cash bid for a striker as McIlroy begins to prepare for next season.