Crewe tell Sunderland, Ipswich, Portsmouth and Blackburn Rovers this is the price for in-demand winger Owen Dale

Crewe boss David Artell has already insisted none of his star players will be sold on the cheap this summer, amid strong interest in Sunderland-linked Owen Dale.

The 22-year-old forward is in demand this summer with a number of clubs already linked with him this summer including the Black Cats and Wycombe Wanderers.

Preston North End and Blackburn Rovers have also been linked.

The Sun on Sunday claim Ipswich Town are in for Dale while Portsmouth and Wycombe Wanderers also hold an interest with a £1m price tag slapped on his head.

Speaking earlier this month, Artell told the club’s official web-site: “We have not had any bids for any of our players and I’ve told the likes of Owen (Dale) that.

“There have been no offers for any of our players. If that will be the case as we get closer to the start of the new season? I really don’t know.

“What I do know is that I am on the same page as the chairman and the board. They have all told me the same thing, we have our valuation and if it’s not met then it is not considered.

“We are in a much stronger position on that now and we are all singing from the same hymn sheet.”

Sunderland are looking to rebuild their squad this summer after another failed promotion bid.

The players returned to pre-season training at the Academy of Light on Monday ahead of Saturday’s friendly with Spennymoor Town.

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