Zola poised for Cobblers

Zola: Set to join Northampton

Crewe Alexandra striker Calvin Zola is set to join League Two rivals Northampton Town on a permanent deal.

Zola has endured an injury-hit season at Gresty Road and he has not made a first-team appearance for the Railwaymen since early October.

A five-figure offer has been accepted from Northampton and the former Tranmere Rovers front-man is expected to end his two-and-a-half year stint at Crewe.

The 26-year-old rejected moves to Southend and Shrewsbury earlier in the season, and was wanted by several clubs in the division, but manager Dario Gradi anticipates the switch to Northampton will go through.

"I'm happy for Calvin to go because I just don't envisage playing him," the Crewe manager told The Sentinel.

"I've not really considered him because he's been out for so long.

"I think he spoke to virtually every club in this league without reaching an agreement but it looks as though Northampton have tried to reach one this time."