Maynard put on the market by Bristol City as contract talks fail

Nicky Maynard: The highly rated striker will interest several Premier League clubs next month (PA)

Bristol City have confirmed they will listen to bids for Nicky Maynard after the striker terminated talks over a new deal. Maynard, who is out of contract next summer, is said to have attracted the attention of several Premier League clubs and his current employers will now contemplate offers for the 25-year-old's services in order not to lose him for nothing at the end of the season.

Manager Derek McInnes said City were left with no other option but to put Maynard in the shop window. He said: "For his own reasons Nicky has made it clear he does not wish to enter into any more discussions at this time. As much as I would like to keep Nicky at the club beyond the end of the season, we are left in an unenviable situation.

"We must protect the football club and, therefore, we have no alternative option but to seek offers for Nicky during the forthcoming January transfer window and see what transpires from there."

Elsewhere in the Football League, Northampton have signed experienced goalkeeper Shane Higgs on an 18-month contract. Higgs has been without a club since leaving Leeds in the summer and he will go straight into the Town squad for the home game against Burton on Boxing Day. He began his career at Bristol Rovers, making 10 appearances for the Pirates before signing for Cheltenham in 1999 where he twice won promotion.

"Shane brings experience and quality with him. He is someone who is used to winning football matches. He has won two promotions in his career and he has played for one of the biggest clubs in the country," said manager Aidy Boothroyd.

"Shane is vocal, he has a lot of experience and he is an excellent professional. He is a winner and someone who does not settle for second best."

Chesterfield have confirmed the appointment of Chris Turner as the club's new chief executive. Turner replaces Carol Wilby, who is set to leave at the end of the month after two years in the role.

He said: "I know League One very well and having seen Chesterfield play a couple of times this season, I know they are well capable of staying in this division. I'm excited about this football club going forward."

Huddersfield have recalled Jamie McCombe from his loan spell at Preston. The 28-year-old central defender's early return – he was due back at Huddersfield on 2 January – has coincided with Terriers' captain Peter Clarke's suspension.

Manager Lee Clark said: "I've been watching Jamie closely and during his time at Preston, as part of a good set-up, they've only conceded two goals in five games. When Jamie gets into his rhythm he's a top centre-back."

Charlton goalkeeper Nick Pope has joined Blue Square Bet South outfit Welling United on a 28-day loan. The 19-year-old joined Charlton from Bury Town in the summer but has yet to feature for the first team and spent a loan spell with Harrow Borough earlier this season. Pope was set to join Blue Square Bet Premier side Kettering on loan but that move fell through after the Poppies were placed under a transfer embargo. The Charlton goalkeeping coach Ben Roberts said: "It's a very good move for Nick, who has done ever so well in his short time at the club."