Let $M$ be a finitely generated $R$-module with rank $n$, and let $N = \left\{ y_{1},\ldots,y_{m}\right\}$ be an $R$-linearly independent subset of $M$, where $m \leq n$.
My question is simple: Is it true that $N$ is contained in a maximal linear independent subset of $M$? I guess the answer is yes with the help of Zorn's lemma. If this is the case, is there a reference for this?
Any help/hint is highly appreciated!