Boss Mark Yates is set to hold talks with striker Izale McLeod over his Crawley future this week.

McLeod is likely to attract interest over the summer after scoring 21 goals last season as Reds were relegated from League One.

But Yates is determined to keep hold of his prized asset and will attempt to persuade the 30-year-old to remain at the Checkatrade.com Stadium when they meet for the first time today.

McLeod has another year left on his contract at Crawley but along with the rest of the squad had to accept a pay cut following the drop into League Two.

Yates, who took over at Crawley two weeks ago, said: “I am hopeful he is going to stay. He is a quality goalscorer and I want to work with him.

“He was away when I came to the club so I haven’t had a chance to speak to him yet. We will sit and discuss what he wants to do but I have no intention of getting rid of our prized asset.

“Whether it happens or not remains to be seen because in the football business nothing surprises you.

“I would love to see Izale in a Crawley Town shirt at the start of the season but if he isn’t for whatever reason we will have to deal with it.”