Crewe close on Barnard

Barnard: In talks

Crewe are hopeful of signing Lee Barnard on loan from Tottenham before the end of the week.

The striker has been linked with several other clubs but has been in talks with Crewe first-team coach Steve Holland and a move now appears close.

The length of the deal, the wages percentage and the bonuses on offer have not yet been finalised, but Dario Gradi is staying confident.

"The lad wants to come," Gradi told the club's official website. "Steve has spoken with him and he is keen to come but there are still some issues.

"Talks with Tottenham are ongoing but they are eager to let him go on loan.

"Hopefully we can conclude the deal before Saturday's game at Bristol Rovers."

No-go on Chadwick

Crewe have also been tracking Plymouth striker Nick Chadwick but Gradi admits there is no longer any chance of him coming to Alexandra Stadium.

"I've spoken to Plymouth to ask about the availability of Nick Chadwick but any deal is a non-starter," said Crewe's technical director.

"He is beyond our means financially.

"We are now not considering it and when I spoke to Plymouth they seemed keen to keep him anyway."