Wolves open talks over Clayton deal

The striker – once described as the 'new Michael Owen' – has impressed during his trial and Jackett wants to strike a deal with Alex. Clayton is out of contract and Crewe will be entitled to compensation because he came through their youth system, is under 24 and was offered a new deal.

If no agreement is struck and Wolves pursue their interest a fee will be decided by tribunal but Jackett is keen to keep the 19-year-old. He said: "It's very early days to see what they're thinking of and what kind of price. Contact will be made this week. We'll see where they want to go with it.

"We've kept in touch and they know he's here anyway. It's working out exactly where they want to go with a deal, but we have been impressed.

"We are interested, definitely. He has done well in his trial. Nothing has happened yet by way of an offer, we haven't done that yet, but it's safe to say we've been impressed with him."

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Clayton, an England under-19 international, turned down a three-year contract offer to stay at Gresty Road and spent time on trial at Sunderland.

Ankle

He was ruled out from November last season after breaking his ankle but has made 92 appearances for Crewe, scoring 16 goals, since making his debut as a 16-year-old in 2011.

And Steve Davis, boss at League One Crewe, has revealed that a Clayton deal could be the start of a closer relationship between the clubs. "I have spoken to Kevin (Thelwell) in the past about forging stronger links and I am sure that he won't mind me saying that," he said. "We would like to help each other out.

"They are climbing the leagues and want to climb higher. They are ambitious, and I am sure that they have players that will fall by the wayside. So I hope we can do something with that."

We are always looking to build relationships with clubs that are local."