Crewe Alexandra will do everything possible to keep Dan Agyei beyond the end of the season.

That’s according to Manager Lee Bell, who says initial talks about a new contract have already begun.

Agyei, who joined The Railwaymen in January 2022, has scored 12 goals this season, and barely missed a minute of League Two action.

Bell said: “I really want him to stay; we have to do everything we can. And I think it is in everybody’s best interests.

“If he gives us another 18 months, I think we can help him become a player who will eventually go much higher, than where he might go if he leaves this summer. With the work we can give him, and the guarantee of games, he can improve even more.

“The process is under way, but he will be in demand - there is no point in pretending otherwise. That’s the same at every level and at every club – other clubs want to sign the best players.

“We have spoken to representatives, and had initial talks, regarding various players and we are getting feedback.

“Not everyone has been spoken to yet, and there will be more conversations to have. I won’t let anything drag on too long, but equally I don’t expect anything to be resolved soon.”

Bell says Agyei, who bagged a brace in Friday’s thrilling 4-3 win over Salford, has improved over the course of the campaign. And he believes there is more to come.

He added: “He has taken messages on board really well. He spent too long outside the box before, but now he is getting more touches in the box and getting more shots away. He has that hunger and desire to be in the right place to score.

“To be able to rack up so many games is a real credit to him. He has a really good, strong mentality. He’s had kicks and knocks, and could have found reasons to miss games, but he has never wanted to. He wants to play and his goals have been invaluable.”