Crewe Alexandra head coach Steve Holland says a club has come close to offering the Cheshire side's valuation for striker Nicky Maynard. The Blues have spoken to the Railwaymen about the 21-year-old, but have previously denied making a bid.

Holland said: "Nicky has been kept in touch with everything that is happening. There has been interest.

"We have got a valuation and if it is met, we would put the option to Nicky. We have to, that was the promise we made when he signed his extension and he trusts us.

"If he was beating down the door to go and the fee wasn't quite right, we'd have to deal with it. But at this stage he seems fine with it all.

"Ideally, he has a good season with us and has loads of options at the end of it. No one has met the valuation but one club has got close and Nick is aware of that.”

Crewe have widely been reported to want £2 million for Maynard, although £2.5 million has also been mentioned on occasion. Bristol City, Fulham and Middlesbrough are amongst other sides linked, although the Robins may be less interested now they've signed Egyptian striker Emad Meteb.

Photo: Action Images

Ipswich Town Polls