Crewe Alexandra: AJ Leitch-Smith extends contract at Gresty Road

Crewe Alexandra have extended young striker AJ Leitch-Smith's contract for a further season at Gresty Road.

After signing a new 12-month deal a year ago, the newly-promoted League One club added a clause containing the option of an additional year.

Crewe have taken up that option, tying the 23-year-old striker to Gresty Road until June 2014, while offering new deals to Ollie Turton and Jon Guthrie.

The Alex also hope to keep Luke Murphy, despite interest from Aston Villa.

"If Luke was to leave I'd prefer it to be sorted earlier than that so I can get a replacement in," said boss Steve Davis. "But he is not desperate to go.

Murphy, 23, voted in the PFA's League One team of the year on Sunday night, still has another 12 months to run on his existing contract. But this time next season, once he has turned 24, he could be available as a Bosman signing.

"He has another year on his contract," added Davis. "And I think he'd be happy to see that through as captain and try to get us into the next league.

"I've spoken to the chairman and nothing has happened.

"That said, it was the same with Ashley Westwood this time last year and he left five games into the new season."

Crewe are also hopeful of signing on-loan Newcastle United midfielder Brad Inman, as the 21-year-old's contract expires at St James' Park this summer.

The Alex have also decided not to offer new deals to four of their young players - Andy White, Paris Bateman, Brendon Daniels and Harry Clayton, elder brother of England Under-19 striker Max.