Crewe Alexandra's manager has held 'initial talks' with a number of players whose contracts expire this summer - including the club's top scorer.

Lee Bell started contract talks with a number of Crewe Alexandra players this March - with over half the squad's deals expiring this summer.

Players whose deals expire in 2023 include Dan Agyei, Luke Offord, Rod McDonald, Kelvin Mellor, Callum Ainley and Dave Richards.

One of Crewe Alexandra's star performers this season, Rod McDonald, has his contract expiring this summer (Kevin Warburton).

Also expiring are the contracts of Rio Adebisi, Chris Long, Bassala Sambou, Tariq Uwakwe, Regan Griffiths and David Amoo.

Loan players Lachlan Brook, Ryan Finnigan, James Beadle and Sean Robertson will return to their clubs at the end of the season.

Crewe have now spoken to the representatives of a number of players and held initial talks.

Bell says the club has received feedback from a number of the players' representatives.

On Monday (March 13), Bell told Crewe Alexandra's website: "We have spoken to representatives, and had initial talks, regarding various players and we are getting feedback.

Lee Bell says Crewe have now spoken to the representatives of a number of players and held initial talks (Kevin Warburton).

"Not everyone has been spoken to yet, and there will be more conversations to have.

"I won't let anything drag on too long, but equally I don't expect anything to be resolved soon."

Bell is particularly keen to extend the contract of Crewe's top scorer Dan Agyei.

The 25-year-old forward has scored 12 goals in 34 EFL League Two appearances this season.

Crewe Alexandra's top scorer, Dan Agyei, sees his contract expire this summer - with Crewe desperate to keep him (Ryan Parker).

Bell added: "I really want him to stay; we have to do everything we can. I think it is in everybody's best interests.

"If he gives us another 18 months, I think we can help him become a player who will eventually go much higher than where he might go if he leaves this summer.

"With the work we can give him, and the guarantee of games, he can improve even more.

"The process is under way, but he will be in demand - there is no point in pretending otherwise.

Crewe Alexandra travel to Northampton on Saturday 18 March after losing 1-0 to Stevenage on Tuesday 14 March (Kevin Warburton).

"That's the same at every level and at every club – other clubs want to sign the best players."

NEXT UP: Crewe Alexandra travel to Sixfields Stadium to face Northampton Town on Saturday 18 March.

READ MORE: Major bus operator confirms timetables for bus routes affecting Crewe passengers.

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