Crewe Close to Ugarte Deal

Crewe Alexandra are understood to be stepping up their bid to sign Wrexham striker Juan Ugarte after missing out on Swindon's Sam Parkin.

Dario Gradi has been told Parkin is not for sale forcing the Alex boss to turn his attentions back to Ugarte who is wanted by a number of clubs.

It is rumoured Gradi has already met the out-of-contract striker twice despite Ugarte having been out of the country for much of the close season, and is up against clubs including Cardiff City, Oldham Athletic, Coventry City, Barnsley, Leeds United, Sheffield United and Doncaster Rovers in a bid to sign him.

Wrexham boss Denis Smith has also offered Ugarte a new deal, however, the Spaniard's desire to test himself at a higher level means he is likely to quit the side he joined on a free transfer last November and make a move to a Championship club for the new season.

The Alex boss yesterday confirmed he is waiting to hear from two strikers who could sign by tomorrow, however, would not strectch to any names, but they are understood to be Ugarte, Shrewsbury's Luke Rodgers and Rochdale's Gary Holt.

Gradi said: "If the two players came, it would be a good start. One has asked to come and I have to make contact with his club, and another has said he will sign next week. We will wait and see.

"Both would be in or around my team and could play a role without being particularly big."

Crewe's problem with Ugarte would be wages, with Gradi unable to offer as much as other clubs chasing the former Real Sociedad player.

Ugarte could favour a move to Cheshire to stay in close contact with friend Xabi Alonso at Liverpool, which he has been able to do while at Wrexham.