Crewe first-team coach Steve Holland has revealed he has held "encouraging" talks with a striker.

The Alex boss is looking to boost his attacking options with only Nicky Maynard finding the net on a regular basis this season as the Gresty Road club narrowly avoided relegation.

Holland told the club's official website: "We haven't got anything concrete yet to confirm to the supporters but I've spoken to a player already, a striker, and it has been encouraging. He is one on our list and one I would be excited about if we could pull it off.

"I've spoken to him and he has given us the impression that he wants to come here. We've taken a major step forward with that one, but like all transfers they are never that straightforward and take some time.

"He is a player who has played against our Academy at various levels and knows about the history and tradition we have with developing young players. Hopefully this is one we can move on and we think we have a chance but there is work to be done."