Crewe Alexandra are battling to keep hold of striker Nicky Maynard.

Maynard has been linked with Middlesbrough and Stoke City this summer, but Alex coach Steve Holland told the club's official website: "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 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."