Roberts nears Crewe exit

Roberts: Keen to move on

Crewe Alexandra midfielder Gary Roberts is poised for a move to a Championship club.

Roberts was placed on the transfer list last month and has not joined Crewe on the club's pre-season trip to Bulgaria.

Blackpool and Cardiff City have been linked with offers for the youngster and Crewe's first-team coach Steve Holland feels a deal is close to being agreed.

"There has been interest in Gary without anything being agreed yet," Holland told The Sentinel.

"The move has got a chance of going through as we put Gary on the list and he has indicated he his keen to move on."

Maynard plans

Meanwhile, Crewe's assistant manager Neil Baker has revealed a second club have joined Ipswich Town in making an enquiry for Nicky Maynard.

Ipswich's Championship rivals Bristol City are rumoured to be keen on the striker, while Premier League clubs Hull City, West Brom, Middlesbrough and Fulham have been credited with an interest.

Baker said: "Ipswich made an enquiry and that was it, while we have also had a second enquiry.

"But Nicky is in Bulgaria with us and we're planning to partner him with Calvin Zola against Brighton (in the first game of the season)."