Alex Morris says he has made it known to Mikael Mandron that he would like the Frenchman to remain with the club. Morris, who only recently succeeded David Artell as manager says he would love to keep the forward because ‘he offers all the attributes you need for a number 9’ and highlighted the incredible influence he has both on-and-off the pitch.

Mandron, 27, scored 10 goals last season in a struggling Crewe Alexandra side but has become a free agent at the expiry of his current contract.

Alex told the club’s official website: “I’ve made no secret of the fact that I would love Mika to stay. We all would. He offers all the attributes you need from a proven number 9 and he is a great person as well.

“He is a good influence on the squad both on and off the pitch and always trains well and sets the standards.

“I am sure he will be thinking over his options and he knows that we cannot wait forever either because we need to know where we are going if it is a no from him.”