IPSWICH Town will not be drawn into a price war with Crewe Alexandra over the possible transfer of sought-after young striker Nicky Maynard.

Elvin King

IPSWICH Town will not be drawn into a price war with Crewe Alexandra over the possible transfer of sought-after young striker Nicky Maynard.

Speculation that the League One side might now be willing to let their hot property go increased with yesterday's arrival at Gresty Road of front man Antony Elding from Leeds United.

Elding is reported to have cost hard-up Crewe £150,000, and fuelled suggestions that this fee will be recovered by income from the sale of Maynard.

But Blues boss Jim Magilton, who was today putting his side through their paces in front of fans during an open morning at Portman Road, is in no mood to pay over the odds for a player who has yet to fully mature.

Magilton is still looking to strengthen his squad and another striker is believed to be on his shopping list along with a left back and central defender.

Crewe are reported to have put a £2.5million fee on the head of 21-year-old Maynard and although Magilton is a big admirer of the free-scoring striker he is not in the market to pay that sort of money.

The Cheshire-based club will do well to hold on to Maynard with Middlesbrough also believed to be interested, and coach Steve Holland confirmed: “We realise it will be difficult to keep Nicky at Gresty Road.

“Ideally we would like him to stay with us for one more season.”

Understandable, Crewe are looking to receive as much as they can for a player who could help balance their books for the season.

And with the Blues believed to be zooming in on a striker Maynard cannot be dismissed. But only if the price is right - and it comes down significantly from the current £2.5m figure.

Another series Town target, Greek international Angelos Charisteas, is reported to have had initial talks with promoted Stoke City manager Tony Pulis, but there is a big difference in their valuation of the player.

Alan Lee was not included in Town's two friendly games this week, but he is due to feature in tomorrow's home game against Premier League West Brom at Portman Road (kick-off 3pm).

The former Republic of Ireland international striker has made it known time and again that he is determined to stay with Ipswich despite his name being linked with a number of other clubs.

He was given a rest this week after taking part in most previous pre-season matches.

Falkirk boss John Hughes is reported to want number two Town keeper Shane Supple to return to his club for the new season. Supple was on loan at Falkirk from January until May.