Crewe Alexandra first team coach Steve Holland says he is dreading receiving the phonecall which will see striker Nicky Maynard leave Gresty Road. Earlier in the week, Town and Bristol City were claimed to have had bids for the 21-year-old turned down.

Holland feels Maynard, reportedly valued at £2 million by the Railwaymen, would benefit from another season playing at League One level: "I've known Nicky for many years and when the day comes for him to move on then no one will deserve it more. I know the sacrifices he and his family have had to make in getting him to training three times a week when he was just eight-years-old.

"Having known him for such a long time, we would also act in his best interests. It is the same with all our younger players. That is why they choose to sign with us in the first place. They know that if they are good enough, then we will give them a chance in our first team.

"They also know that we would act in their best interests if we ever got the call and someone made us the right offer.

"As I've said, I'm dreading that call coming for Nicky because we want to keep him here. I think he would benefit considerably by playing a full season with us, I think he has only played about 50 games in his career so far.

"If we can avoid injuries, I think he has the ability to go on and finish as the leading goalscorer in League One next season."

Fulham, Hull City, Middlesbrough, Blackburn, Bolton, Sunderland and West Brom have all been linked with the Winsford-born striker this summer.

Meanwhile, former Blue Darren Currie is close to rejoining Brighton and Hove Albion from Luton.

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