CWMBRAN striker Christian Doidge has missed out on a move to Dagenham & Redbridge after the League Two club pulled out of a deal to sign him from Carmarthen Town, writes Andrew Penman.

Carmarthen manager Mark Aizlewood, a former Newport County star, told the Argus that the Exiles would be making a big mistake if they allowed Doidge to move to a rival club.

But the 21-year-old, who had excelled during his trial spell in East London, is still available despite scoring two goals in three games and catching the eye of Daggers boss Burnett.

Dagenham had believed the striker would be available on a free transfer from the Welsh Premier League outfit but the Victoria Road chief has since found out a fee would have to be agreed.

That’s despite the striker himself reportedly saying he was available on a free when discussions with Burnett commenced last Thursday, and Doidge was said to be eager to move to London and make the most of a chance in the Football League.

“We offered Christian a deal and was told he would be able to leave on a free to a higher league club, but that’s not the case,” Burnett told London24.com

“I asked before his trial whether he would be available on a free otherwise we wouldn’t be able to afford him and I was told he was available. We wouldn’t have pursued the deal otherwise.

“I spoke to the player last Thursday and asked him whether he would be keen to make the move to London.

“He said that’d be okay and he would love the chance to play in the Football League, he even said he was available on a free.”

Burnett confirmed the club were willing to offer a sell-on fee for Doidge to the Old Gold, but had made several unsuccessful attempts to contact Carmarthen chairman Neil Alexander.

“I have tried to get in contact with the club to discuss the issue but the chairman isn’t answering his phone or responding to text messages so we are not pursuing him any further,” he added. “That’s his prerogative.”