Transfer rumour: Port Vale and Mansfield chasing striker Nicky Maynard?
Reports online suggest that Mansfield Town have now joined Port Vale in seeking Nicky Maynard’s signature this summer.
DISCUSS VALE TRANSFER RUMOURS ON THE FORUM HEREExperienced forward Maynard was a free agent after being released by Mansfield in the summer. However, former clubs are allowed to offer a new contract to released players and if reports are to be believed, Town have now offered Maynard a new contract.
One Twitter account stated:
#PortVale and #MansfieldTown are battling it out in the race to sign free agent Nicky Maynard with #BradfordCity and several other sides keen#PVFC #STAGS #BCAFC pic.twitter.com/4IFuXHjrE7
— EFL ZONE (@ZoneEfl) August 23, 2020
The 33 year-old, who lives locally, has scored 34 goals in 66 appearances in the last two seasons and is therefore an attractive proposition for League Two sides.
Hopes were high among Port Vale fans that he may opt to join Port Vale after manager John Askey said he expected a decision from a forward on Friday. However, with that deadline now passed and an attractive offer from his existing club apparently on the table, it could be that the Valiants have missed out on Maynard.
However, according to Askey, Maynard is just one of several players he is looking to potentially sign. He told the Sentinel newspaper: “We have talked to one or two and it is just a waiting game.” If Vale miss out on Maynard, fans will be hopeful that the Vale will snap up another of the players that they have spoken to.
The Valiants are keen to add a fourth forward to their squad. Mark Cullen has had some serious injuries during his career while veteran Tom Pope faces a six match suspension which means that the side could be left with just the inexperienced Devante Rodney as their only central forward option when the season begins. It appears that the club are looking for an experienced face to join the forward line and Maynard was one of several options.
Maynard began his footballing career at Crewe Alexandra. He has had spells at Bristol City, Cardiff City as well as top-flight club West Ham United.
Maynard image: YouTube
DISCUSS VALE TRANSFER RUMOURS ON THE FORUM HERENicky Maynard Factfile
Age: 33
Clubs: Crewe Alexandra, Bristol City, West Ham, Cardiff City, MK Dons, Aberdeen, Bury, Mansfield Town
Loans: Witton Albion, Wigan Athletic
Games: 427
Goals: 135