CREWE manager Steve Davis says Ipswich Town is not the right club for teenage star Nick Powell to launch his career – and he adds that they couldn’t afford him anyway.

The League Two side’s boss insists he has had no personal contact from Blues counterpart Paul Jewell over the 17-year-old, though the EADT understands that Town did lodge a bid last weekend – thought to be around �1m – which was swiftly rejected.

And when quizzed about Powell on Thursday, a coy Jewell – whose side face Leeds United away in the Championship today – would only say ‘that is private’.

“I would have thought Paul Jewell would have contacted me if a big offer had been made for Nick,” said Railwaymen boss Davis.

“No disrespect to Ipswich, but would it be the right club for Nick? They’re battling relegation and you have to ask ‘is he the right player for that situation?’

“Anyway, I don’t think Ipswich would have enough money to buy him.”

Equally strong with both feet, 6ft tall and capable of playing anywhere across the midfield and front line, confident Powell – who says he models his game on French superstar Zinedine Zidane – made his Football League debut at just 16 and has been catching the eye of scouts ever since.

Blossoming by the game, the Crewe-born youngster has scored six times this season and come in for some rough treatment from opposition defences at times.

Upon receiving the Football League’s ‘Young Player of the Month’ award for December earlier this week he admitted he would ‘love to play for a top Premier League club’ one day.

And with a host of top-flight clubs keeping a close eye on developments, cash-strapped Crewe are keen to get a maximum return for their rising star. Indeed, Chelsea know all about his talent as former Crewe boss Steve Holland is first team coach to Andre Villas-Boas.

“The main thing is Nick concentrates on his football,” said Davis. “Until my phone rings and someone says they have made an offer, then nothing is happening as far as I’m concerned.

“If something does happen I will be honest and up front with Nick about it, but he’s got to remain focused on his job.”

– See today’s EADT and Evening Star for full Leeds v Ipswich match preview.