Maynard Off If Price Is Right

After weeks of silence, Alex technical director Dario Gradi has had plenty to say for himself this week. The most alarming news to come from his mouth is that serious offers for Nicky Maynard will be considered by the club.

Speculation has been growing for a while now about the future of star striker Maynard although the Alex will clearly be keen to keep the hitman who has 32 goals in 59 games in an Alex shirt.

Many Premiership and Championship clubs have been sniffing round but as of yet no offers have been made. The likes of Middlesbrough, Ipswich and Barnsley are believed to be interested and considering bids.

Their interest may now be heightened after Gradi told the Sentinel newspaper he could leave for the right price: ‘So far no-one has approached us about Nick and I doubt they will, but you never know. If it was the right deal and it was good for us and Nicky then we’d do it.’

Although Crewe are unlikely to let their prized asset go on the cheap, it looks like Maynard could be leaving sooner rather than later, compounding a further week of misery for Alex fans.

With First Team Coach Steve Holland’s return from holiday imminent it will be interesting to see what he makes of Gradi’s comments about the club in his absence.

With potential signings turning the club down left, right and centre, the departure of Maynard will only serve to sink the currently ailing squad position into more turmoil.