CREWE have scotched reports they have accepted a £2m bid for Nicky Maynard from an unnamed club.

While reports have linked the 21-year-old with Bristol City and, most recently, Ipswich, Alex first-team coach Steve Holland remains hopeful Maynard will remain a Crewe player beyond next month's transfer window.

An Alex spokesman said: “This is just speculation at the moment.”

Maynard, who scored 15 goals last season, was on target for Crewe in Saturday's 4-0 pre-season friendly victory over Premier League Hull City.