Sheffield Wednesday boss Paul Sturrock is set to beat a host of clubs to the signature of Crewe's Algerian international Madjid Bougherra.

Reports claim the 23-year-old north African defender is due at Hillsborough for a medical ahead of a £300,000 move.

Bougherra made an immediate impression after moving to Gresty Road from French side Gueugnon in January and Alex manager Dario Gradi was desperate for him to stay.

However, following Crewe's relegation to League One, Gradi has resigned himself to losing his star man to any one of a host of Championship clubs.

Wednesday have refused to confirm that a deal is imminent, however, with a club spokesman saying: "We do not comment on transfer speculation."