Crewe manager Dario Gradi has been given permission to talk to Lincoln defender Jamie McCombe about a move to Gresty Road.

The Railwaymen were given the green light to approach the 23-year-old after matching a clause in his contract.

But Imps chairman Steff Wright is hopeful McCombe will turn down their advances and remain at the League Two outfit.

He told Crewe's official website: "They are willing to meet the release fee in his contract and it's now down to him what he decides to do.

"But we desperately want him to remain with us and we have offered him a new deal to keep him at the club. He's chosen to wait and it's now up to him."