Millen: 'Maynard wants to stay'

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City boss Keith Millen insists the mind of Nicky Maynard is at Ashton Gate, following talks with the in-demand striker.

The 24-year-old returned from holiday earlier this week and is keen to settle a new contract to remain in the West Country for the immediate future.

The former Crewe forward has been the target of several clubs trying to unsettle him by fuelling constant speculation this summer, as he enters the final year of his current contract.

However, Leicester City remain the only club to have tested the Robins' resolve with a derisory bid last week and Maynard views a chance to join another Championship club as a sideways move.

"I spoke to Nicky earlier in the week and his mindset is the same as before, he wants to stay," Millen told bcfc.co.uk on Thursday night.

"Nicky is looking forward to pre-season because he missed it last year.

"We've had no further offers to turn down and it's just a case of sitting down with his agent and trying to thrash a deal out.

"As far as my plans go, he's here with us, and in Nicky's head he's here. If he signs a new contract then it gives everyone some security.

"As it stands, we've had no Premier League clubs make an offer. The offer we have had is nowhere near the value we class Nicky in.

"There's no discussions to be had about him going anywhere else, just talks about getting him to sign a new deal."

Maynard is expected to sign a two-year extension over the coming weeks, with various clauses allowing him to leave should a top-flight club make a firm offer.

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