Bristol City striker Nicky Maynard is close to agreeing a new long-term contract with the club.
Robins' boss feeling confident striker will sign new deal
Bristol City striker Nicky Maynard is close to agreeing a new long-term contract with the club.
The Robins' record signing is reportedly holding discussions with City officials regarding a new deal to stay at Ashton Gate.
Maynard, 24, has been subject of speculation regarding his future with a number of Premier League clubs reportedly keen on his services.
However, manager Keith Millen is feeling confident that Maynard, whose season was finished prematurely when he was sent off at Sheffield United, will sign an extension to his current deal, which runs until the end of next season.
Positive
He said in the
Bristol Evening Post: "We have had more conversations with Nicky and his agent and they have all been positive.
"Nicky definitely wants to stay and be part of what I'm trying to build here and, hopefully, we can tie things up in the next week or so.
"It's difficult to put a time scale on these things, because everything has to be right. They have to be happy and we have to be happy, but the sooner it is done, the quicker we can move on and start planning for next season."
Despite speculation linking Maynard with a number of top clubs, City have yet to receive a single bid for the former Crewe Alexandra man, who is valued between £5-6million.
Millen said: "We have not had anyone on the phone making inquiries about Nicky, which is something I'm pleased about.
"There is always going to be speculation, but Nicky being suspended for the last three games has dampened some of that down. It has taken him out of the limelight a little bit and that has enabled him to focus on where he wants to be next season.
"I think a lot of clubs are waiting to see which league they are in next season before making a move in the transfer market."
Concerned
Millen admits he is not overly concerned by the situation and is hopeful of tying up the deal very soon.
He added: "I doubt there will be any interest until the relegation and play-off issues are resolved, by which time I'd like to think we will have a deal tied up.
"Even if Nicky signs a new contract and another club comes in with a big offer, we would not stand in his way if we thought it was right for us and for the player.
"If he does sign, then it gives him a little bit more security and it does the same for the club. I think he is committed to this club and I'm not overly concerned by the situation at all."
