New names come to light this week as the club’s search for a striker is struggling. Vital Crewe takes a look at the latest names to be linked. West Brom’s John Hartson, Plymouth’s Nick Chadwick & Man Utd’s Frazier Campbell.
Nick Chadwick – Plymouth Argyle
Rumours of Chadwick being on the verge of signing persist, although both Ian Holloway (Argyle manager) and Dario Gradi have denied transfer talks have taken place – simply that the two clubs have spoken of Chadwick’s availability.
Chadwick is a former Everton youngster, and although highly rated as a youngster Chadwick has failed to make the desired impact at each of his clubs. Everton sold him to Plymouth for £250,000 in 2005 but after 68 league appearances the Stokie has only scored eight goals.
Chadwick was a Crewe target whilst he was at Everton so it’s not surprising that the club have returned for a second look. However, whilst Dario admitted interest, he did cite fitness troubles and a transfer fee as the ‘put-offs’.
Whether the club are telling the truth that no deal is imminent remains to be seen.
Rating – 2/5
Chances of Signing – 4/5
John Hartson – West Brom
‘Big’ John Hartson (Pictured) seems a rather ‘big’ name to be linked with a move to Crewe but Saturday’s game saw whispers spread that the former Celtic man is being targeted.
Hartson, at 6ft 1′ and 14st, is certainly the ‘big striker’ Dario and Holland want up front and also knows where the back of the net is. In his 15 year career Hartson has commanded over £19million in transfer fees. In his time in the SPL with Celtic he scored 88 goals in 125 starts.
Currently at West Brom, he had an unimpressive first season with the Baggies. Tony Mowbray now says that his club is open to offers for the Welshman. Whether this means Crewe are in with a chance is anyone’s guess; wages would play a big part for someone of Hartson’s calibre whilst his home town club, Swansea City, are being linked with him.
He would also require a fee of around £150k-£250k, possibly too much for a 32 year old.
Rating – 3/5
Chances of Signing – 2/5
Fraizer Campbell – Manchester United
Manchester United youngster Campbell is a 19 year old rookie striker. Having signed professional terms in 2005 he spent some of last season on loan at Antwerp.
The club this month asked Alex Ferguson if Campbell could spend the season on loan, but, like most answers given recent, they were given a solid no.
With Hull City also eyeing Campbell though any chance of signing him at a later date may have gone all together.
Rating – 2/5
Chances of Signing – 1/5
Click here for ‘Search for a star’ version 1!
