Crewe Alexandra director of football Dario Gradi has revealed that captain Matt Tootle is expected to leave the League One club this summer.
The 23-year-old defender signed his first professional contract at Gresty Road in 2009.
However, Gradi believes that the youngster is good enough to play in the Premier League before the end of his career.
"I would be surprised if we didn't lose our captain Matt Tootle this summer," he told the club's official website. "Matt is ready to move on, but I suppose there is not as much glamour for full-backs as there are for strikers.
"He could certainly play in the league above and I think he could play in the Premier League."
Crewe recently finished the season in 19th place in the League One table.
