SHEFFIELD Speedway can confirm they are still in talks with talented British youngster Josh Auty about a team place for next season.

Club owner Neil Machin admitted he was ‘shocked and stunned’ to read a press statement from Scunthorpe claiming they have signed the West Yorkshireman.

Said Machin: “We have spent this week talking to Josh and we have made him an offer for next season which he is considering.

“As we all know he is a Coventry asset and when I spoke to their co-promoter, Colin Pratt, on Wednesday evening he informed me Scunthorpe hadn’t had permission to even speak to Josh.

“Should he ride for Scunthorpe it would also rule him out of doubling-up with his parent club and Colin, like me, is very unhappy with what Scunthorpe have done.

“Here at Sheffield we like to do things properly and we have permission from Coventry to go ahead and talk to Josh about next season which is what we have done.

“Rob Godfrey at Scunthorpe should know better. What they have done, ignoring protocol, smacks of desperation."

Josh Auty, meanwhile, is refusing to comment on the situation at this stage.