Bristol City boss Gary Johnson says the �2.25m record signing of Nicky Maynard from Crewe is a "fantastic deal".

City swooped for the 21-year-old striker after pulling out of deals to sign Michael Mifsud and Emad Moteab.

An elated Johnson told BBC Radio Bristol: "It's a fantastic deal for us. It's great to have the type of player I've been looking for for a while."

"It's fantastic the chairman has backed my judgement again and we've brought in a player who's exactly what we need."

Johnson revealed that Maynard's mother was part of the negotiating team.

While he was doing his medical we were sorting out a deal with his mum and his representative," said Johnson.

"It was a breath of fresh air to have someone who was so keen to get going.

"He did have other options but as soon as I had a chat with him I realised he was the one I wanted in my dressing room and on our pitch."

Johnson is confident Maynard, who scored 35 goals in 57 appearances for the Alex, will deliver in the Championship.

"If somebody finds space in the penalty area and can finish he will do that as it's something that's natural to him," added the City boss.

"He's a great athlete but he has got that ability to find space in the penalty area and that's what we want.

"There were a couple of Premiership clubs interested but he wanted to come to us."

Meanwhile, Maynard has been tipped to play in the Premier League by his former first-team coach at Crewe, Steve Holland.

Maynard had been with the Railwaymen since he was seven years old and blossomed through the club's academy system.

Holland told BBC Radio Stoke: He's got terrific potential and I'm sure he will turn out to be an excellent buy."

Maynard's departure means that Shaun Millar, who signed a two-year extension to his contract this week, will get the first chance to stake a claim for a place in Holland's starting line-up for the opening game of the season at home to Brighton.

"Shaun is the first one in, he was told that and we will see how he goes, although we have identified someone that we would like to bring in," added Holland.