Crewe boss Dario Gradi is continuing to scour the market for a striker in case Eddie Johnson and Gareth Taylor snub offers from the Alex.

The pair were on loan at Gresty Road last season and are mulling over permanent deals with the club but until they put pen to paper, Gradi admits he will look at alternatives.

"I'm always on the look-out for players that could come here and improve us. I'm pleased to have secured the two centre-backs (Neil Cox and Julien Baudet) and I think we're ok for number in midfield," he said.

"That would also be the case up front if Gareth and Eddie decide to stay but if a 'hit me striker' came along then we would certainly look at it because you can never have too many good strikers capable of scoring goals.

"Until I know what we're doing with the strikers, we will continue to look at other options. Until they decide to stay or go then it is open and I fully expect to be taking some trialists with us to (the pre-season training camp in) Portugal."