Hayes & Yeading have rejected an offer from Farnborough for Dean Inman.
The centre-half spent half a season on loan at Cherrywood Road from Hampton & Richmond in 2012-13 before making the move to United last summer.
He was a rock at the back for H&Y but was unable to prevent the club suffering relegation on the final day of the Conference South campaign.
United inserted an option into Inman’s contract last summer and have activated the clause, meaning he is tied to the club for next season and would command a transfer fee.
Borough boss Spencer Day is a big fan of Inman and has already been in contact with the player over a potential return to the club.
He has submitted an offer to Hayes & Yeading for the defender, but a source close to the deal described the figures being discussed as ‘embarrassing’.
“They wanted to take him back towards the end of last season as well," the source said. "What they are offering is nowhere near enough money. It’s almost embarrassing what they’re offering.”
Inman is due to jet off to the Caribbean for a two-week holiday on Tuesday, meaning any further negotiations will have to wait until his return.
Should Inman leave, it will compound last week’s loss of long-serving midfielder Luke Williams, who has joined Terry Brown’s big-spending Margate.
Williams joined United in July 2011 and passed 100 appearances for the club last December.
Meanwhile, Hayes & Yeading have been boosted by the news that striker Pat Cox will remain on board for another year.
Cox has agreed a deal in principle and is expected to put pen to paper later today (Monday).
He said: “Absolutely delighted to have agreed terms. Although, [I’ve] only been at Hayes a short time I love the club and all the fans already.
“Another key factor to stay was the manager and his coaching staff, who are the best I’ve ever worked with.”
Geoff Mitchell will also not be pulling on the red shirt again after the club confirmed his departure.
