ACCRINGTON Stanley have insisted that Jimmy Ryan knows nothing about surprise reports linking him to La Liga side Real Zaragoza – and the club would push for as much as £750,000 if they cannot persuade their star midfielder to stay this summer.

Ryan is out of contract at the end of June and both Stanley and the player are reluctant to start talks over a new deal until the Reds’ play-off campaign is over.

Stanley would be powerless to stop Ryan leaving but they would be entitled to a fee, whoever he joins, because he is under the age of 23.

About the Zaragoza link, assistant manager Jimmy Bell said: “Jimmy’s heard nothing about it.

“It’s just paper talk. We’ve got a fair idea where it’s come from.

“We will be offering Jimmy the best contract we possibly can.

"If it goes to a tribunal I’d think we’d be looking at up to £750,000, certainly in excess of £500,000."