Crewe Face Fight For Cresswell

Rotherham have joined the race to sign up Bury defender Ryan Cresswell whilst the Shakers hope to keep the 22 year old.

Cresswell is thought to have been at Reaseheath training ground having talks with Dario Gradi earlier this week after Dario narrowed down his list of targets to Cresswell.

Looking to fill a huge void at the centre of defence, Dario is hoping to snap up the powerful defender, who is out of contract at Bury, to lead the defensive line next season though he has given Cresswell as long as he likes to mull over the offer.

However, Cresswell’s quality may make it difficult for the Alex to conclude the deal as other clubs look set to pounce. Today, Rotherham manager Ronnie Moore admitted he is interested in signing the Rotherham born player.

Speaking to The Advertiser, Moore said that Cresswell was one player he would be trying to sign this summer:

‘I’m looking for quality rather than quantity and Cresswell is the right calibre. He’s a leader and I’d like him here but other clubs want him too.’

Meanwhile, Bury have not given up hope of keeping their highly rated player. Speaking to Bury Times, Bury director Brian Fenton said that the club hope to have further talks with Cresswell before he decides on his future:

“With Ryan, we had heard of Crewe`s interest but I know Alan [Knill, Bury manager] is hoping to talk with him and we`re still hoping he will sign.’

Which leaves Crewe’s chances of signing Cresswell in doubt. He certainly seems rated enough to be an excellent signing at Gresty Road but how do we fare for Cresswell?

With some of the best, if not the best, training facilities in League Two and a wage budget to match the very top, there is little for Cresswell not to be impressed with. The stumbling block may well come in the form of location – both geographically and in the football league ladder.

Rotherham missed out on promotion in the play-off final last month whilst we finished 18th. The chance of promotion at his home town club may well swing it for Cresswell, unless Dario can do a job of convincing him that Crewe will be up in the top 7 next season.

We’ll have to wait and see but it’s unlikely a decision will be made any time soon. With all the interest, Cresswell will no doubt spend the next week or two trying to get the very best deal one way or another.