Jayson Leutwiler opens Shrewsbury talks
Shrewsbury Town have opened talks with Jayson Leutwiler to offer him a new deal.
The 26-year-old goalkeeper is out of contract in the summer and could walk away on a Bosman free transfer at the end of the season.
The footballing grapevine has linked the Swiss shot-stopper with Championship sides Cardiff and Charlton.
But Town boss Micky Mellon wants to keep the former Middlesbrough reserve and revealed negotiations are under way.
Mellon said: "We've spoken to him but I don't know where we're at now. Talks are ongoing but it's certainly something we'd like to do because we want to keep our best players and he's one of them.
"Would I like to do it? Yes, absolutely. But it's always difficult to say cast iron until we've got it done."
But Mellon admitted losing Leutwiler for nothing is a possibility, saying: "That's the risk and that's what happens at clubs at our level.
"There's not an awful lot we can do about that until everything is agreed."
Leutwiler is fit after suffering horror facial injuries in the FA Cup tie against Grimsby on December 7.
But Mellon admits the goalkeeper will continue to play second fiddle to Mark Halstead for the moment.
The Town chief added: "Mark's done terrifically well and deserves to hold the jersey at the minute. It wouldn't be fair of me to change that.
"I speak to Jayson all the time and we both understand the situation. He's a good professional and a good guy and he's supporting his fellow goalkeeper, like he was supported before.
"I've got to be fair and you have to manage the health of the group. If I'm not giving them hope, it will affect the whole group."
Meanwhile, the club have made an offer to promising defender Dominic Smith. Mellon said: "He's still talking to Matt (Williams).
"We'd like to keep him but it's down to the 'dealmakers' Matt (chief executive), Jayne (Bebb, secretary) and the chairman."
