STANLEY are in talks with in-demand striker Kayden Jackson over a new contract to keep the striker at the club.
But as the scouts continue to flock to the Wham Stadium to check out one of the Football League's hottest properties, Reds boss John Coleman is adamant Jackson won't be leaving on the cheap if he does depart this summer.
Stanley's chances of keeping the 24-year-old are made more difficult as each dazzling performances goes by, the latest a first half cameo in the 4-3 win over Middlesbrough that followed his double salvo against Premier League Huddersfield a week earlier.
Jackson's performances are setting tongues wagging and after netting 16 goals last season Coleman believes the former Barnsley man has taken his game to a new level ahead of the Reds' first ever League One campaign.
"Why wouldn’t you talk about him?," said Coleman after the striker's latest eye-catching display.
"I said he’d gone up two levels, I think he’s gone up more than that, he was breathtaking on Saturday. I just pray we can keep hold of him."
There was another long list of scouts in attendance at the Wham Stadium on Saturday, but Stanley have slapped a £1million price tag on Jackson and Coleman insists they won't be sanctioning a cut-price departure.
"It’s inevitable people are going to look at him, but people are going for big figures now, Kayden is one of the best players in the lower leagues," the Stanley boss said.
"If he does go, it certainly won’t be cheap.
"There defenders must have been rubbing their hands when he went off. He’s a threat to anyone."
Despite the interest in him Jackson hasn't caused Coleman or Stanley any problems this summer and the Reds chief praised his attitude.
Coleman also revealed there were talks ongoing about a new deal and he hopes Jackson can 'take us a long way'.
"He’s a great lad, he’s grounded, he’s level headed, he’s not the type to kick up a fuss," said Coleman.
"Kayden knows he’s had his best year of improvement while he’s been here and hopefully that can continue, then the world is his oyster.
"We’re in talks about a new contract anyway, if he can continue that form he can take us a long way.
"He deserves a new contract."
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