Foxes end Maynard pursuit

Bristol City have managed to fend off interest in Nicky Maynard from Leicester, after the Foxes abandoned their chase for the striker.

Leicester boss Sven-Goran Eriksson had identified Maynard as his No. 1 target after being rebuffed in his attempts to sign Everton forward Yakubu.

But after City knocked back bids of £2m, £3m and £4.75m, the bald Swede has retreated with his tail between his legs.

“We felt we made a very favourable offer for Nicky Maynard and were surprised when it was turned down,” a Leicester source said.

“Bristol City have made their position clear and it is time to move on and look elsewhere.”

However, City boss Keith Millen believes that Leicester’s public pursuit could have an unsettling effect on his former Crewe starlet.

He said: “It’s not ideal for the club or the player. I don’t want Nicky’s head being turned by other clubs, I want him to be fully focussed on getting fit and match sharp, so that he is at his best when the season kicks-off in August.

“I’m ambitious and want us to be pushing for promotion next season. I’m certainly not in the business of selling my best players and I’m delighted the club stood firm and rejected the bids from Leicester.

“Nicky is happy here and, apart from anything else, the money on offer was nowhere near enough.”

City are expected to resume talks with Maynard and his agent when they return from Portugal next week.

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