Merson said: "I shall be attempting to get in touch with 'Stan' as soon as possible.
"There are a few problems in that he only really wants to play centre half and we are well stocked in that position now.
"The other thing we have not spoken about is money. It may be that the big thing for Steve now is to get a start on the coaching ladder and, to that end, I think we can offer him a terrific opportunity."