TWO players mulling over contract offers at relegated Northampton Town are understood to have dropped on Crewe's radar.

Crewe-born midfielder Ryan Watson and centre-half Lloyd Jones may leave Sixfields this summer after the Cobblers, promoted with the Alex last year, went straight back down to League Two.

Goalscoring midfielder Watson, 27, was one of Northampton's stand-out players during a difficult campaign.

The former Everton Academy youngster, who spent time in Leicester City's development squad has featured for Barnet and MK Dons before joining Northampton in 2019 after two previous loan stints. He finished up as leading scorer with nine goals last term.

With Ryan Wintle expected to leave the club this summer, drafting in an experienced midfielder will be high on boss Dave Artell's transfer-target priorities.

Jones, 25, was once signed by Liverpool, who paid a small fee to take him from Plymouth's youth system. The defender never made an appearance for the Reds at senior level and in 2018 he joined Luton who loaned him to Northampton in January 2020. The Wales and England youth international joined the Cobblers on a short-term deal in December of last year.

Both Watson and Jones are out of contract at Sixfields, but have been offered new deals.

While veteran striker Chris Porter penned a new one-year deal earlier this week, Crewe's frontline is another priority area for Artell. Winger Daniel Powell was among those let go and, over on the left flank, Charlie Kirk attracted January transfer window interest and could be on the move.

National newspaper reports have linked Crewe with Cardiff City's young attacker Mark Harris, 21, who while signing a new contract recently with the Bluebirds, may be available on a season-long loan.

Another frontman who could pique interest is Chris Long, who is out of contract at Scots Premier outfit Motherwell, where he has netted 17 times in his two years at Fir Park. The former Everton youngster, now 26, has sampled Championship football during a stint with Burnley and a loan stint with Brentford.

Crewe's players started their summer conditioning programmes this week, two weeks after the season finale on May 9, as preparations for the 2021/22 season are well underway.

As well as transfer activity, the pre-season programme is being finalised.

A game has been lined up against Stoke City at Gresty Road on Tuesday, July 20 (K.O 7pm), which will be an Ashton Hulme charity match as the fundraising for the club's young Academy goalkeeper who is battling cancer continues.

There could also potentially be visits from Wolves and Nottingham Forest.