Stanley hope to keep Symes

Symes: In demand

Accrington Stanley are optimistic that leading scorer Michael Symes will stay at the club until the end of the season.

Symes has struck 14 goals for the League Two club but, with his contract due to expire in the summer, he has been attracting interest from elsewhere.

Championship trio Derby, Sheffield United and Preston have been linked with a bid in recent weeks, while Grimsby Town have already seen a six-figure offer rejected.

Stanley chief executive Robert Heys is aware of the interest in Symes, but hopes the forward will still be at the club when the transfer window closes.

Ridiculous offer

Heys said: "We want to keep the squad that we have together and we are doing all in our power to make that happen.

"We know of a number of clubs who have shown an interest in Michael but you cannot react to just hearsay.

"We have had many scouts and officials from other clubs who have visited the Crown Ground in recent weeks and I think that just proves how good a job John Coleman and his assistant Jimmy Bell have done this season so far."

He added: "If someone does come in with a ridiculous offer then it will be something we will have to look at but if he can help us to promotion then keeping hold of him will have proven wholly worthwhile."