RICHIE Wellens could not afford to wait on international clearance for goalkeeper Nikolay Krastev any longer, and therefore called off Town’s planned deal.

On Friday, we reported that Krastev – who had been on trial with Wellens’ squad since the first day of pre-season – had signed a one-year contract with the club on July 4 following a successful trial period.

The move was subject to international clearance – paperwork that Town claim they are yet to receive from the Bulgarian FA and have therefore pulled the plug on Krastev’s deal.

Our source, who was quoted in Friday’s report, claimed that Krastev’s international clearance paperwork would be finalised by Thursday, August 1, at the latest.

Town boss Wellens rubbished these claims, stating that the club could be waiting until eight fixtures have been played before receiving the green light.

He said: “With Nikolay (Krastev), we were waiting for his previous club to make sure there was no compensation. That went on and on.

“It takes 28 days for international clearance, and by that time we would’ve played eight games.

“We had to say no.”

Another trialist that impressed Wellens but will leave his time at Town without a contract is midfielder Lawson D’Ath.

Despite impressing, a deal between Wellens and the player’s agent could not be reached.

“We got an idea of what his agent was asking for, and it was too much,” said the Town boss.