FORMER striker Nicky Maynard remains an option for Crewe to boost their frontline options.

Alex boss Dave Artell is expecting to complete some business before the transfer window closes at 11pm on Tuesday night (August 31), but Maynard, who has been training at Reaseheath in recent weeks is a free agent and could be snapped up later in September.

The Railwaymen have struggled to make an impact up top thus far, scoring only once in their four opening league games. Maynard, now 34, scored seven times last term for both Mansfield and during a loan spell at Newport County.

The forward, who came through the Alex Academy and was sold for a £2m plus fee to Bristol City in 2008, was released by the Stags at the end of last season.

Artell confirmed: "I've spoken to Nicky and it is an ongoing conversation. The deadline doesn't apply to him which might make him more valuable.

"We all know what he is about, so we will see."

The Crewe boss isn't expecting any of his squad to file into the departure lounge to follow this month's exit of Charlie Kirk, who is set for a swift reunion with the Alex when they visit Charlton on Saturday (K.O 3pm).

Despite speculation linking attacker Owen Dale with a number of clubs, including Sunderland, it appears it will take a significant offer to prise anyone else away from the Mornflake Stadium.

"I'm expecting business - but only ins. However, if something comes along that was explosive then I am sure the chairman and the board will speak to each other, but that's not happened," outlined Artell, who says he is looking forward to seeing Kirk again.

The Winsford-raised winger was understood to be among a group of several former Alex players, including Paul Green, watching Tuesday night's Carabao Cup second round tie at Elland Road.

Kirk started his first game for the Addicks last Saturday; the 2-0 home defeat at the hands of Wigan was the Londoners' third reverse in their opening four games in League One.

Crewe have a similar record, but Artell believes the battling midweek display at Leeds (0-3) and Charlton's poor start offers a window of opportunity.

"Nigel Adkins is a good manager and Charlton have a got a big budget. They've got good players, but they've not made a good start and we've got to take advantage of that," he said.

And the manager added: "We've had a tough start, but we've got to be better. We've lost a hell of a lot of players and a creative outlet in the team with Kirky and Owen [Dale] is not very well at the moment.

"We're looking to get the best out of the players and if we do that then we will be fine."