Davis resigned to losing youngster but is relaxed over situation

Steve Davis has admitted to the club’s official web-site that it remains ‘unlikely’ that his young forward Max Clayton will commit his future beyond this season. Clayton, 18, has thus far rejected the opportunity to sign new and improved terms with the club and although disappointed by the England youngster’s stance, the Crewe Alexandra boss is relaxed over the situation.

Davis has held talks with Clayton’s representative and although talk of signing a new deal is on the back burner, the Alex boss knows that the goal poacher could have a major role to play next season in League One.

Steve told the club’s official web-site:  “I have met with Max’s agent and we are really no further in regards to him re-signing.  I would say it is unlikely he will extend his contract.

“There are options available to us as a club. He is our player and there would have to be a compensation package if he was to go next summer. If it came to that then we have the fact that he has been here a long time, from the age of around 6 or 7 and played for England at various age groups. That would be in our favour.

“What we want first and foremost is for Max to establish himself in our first team, playing well and scoring goals to help the club. We will do what is best for us as a club and of course for him.

He added: “Everyone knows what huge potential he has but if he does move on before we want him to, then we have others coming through like Ryan Colclough who can fill that void.”