By Nathan Jackson
January 10 2006

Gareth McAuley was all set to join Crewe a few days ago, however, it fell through but everyone seems confused. Dario Gradi claims that he has cancelled the transfer because of McAuley's agent, however, McAuley's agent claims that neither he, or McAuley have even spoken to Dario Gradi.

Dario Gradi came out in the press declaring that he had hoped to sign McAuley but the tall defender's agent was apparantly the reason why the transfer fell through and Gradi claims that McAuley's agent, Mel Eves refused to sell any player to Crewe. On Tuesday morning, Gradi gave McAuley until the end of the day to decide what his intentions were but the deal now appears dead.

Gradi told several media sources, "I spoke to an agent during the week who said he wouldn't want to sell anyone to Crewe because we try not to pay the agent fees."

However, Eves claims that he or McAuley have never spoken to Gradi and speaking to Sky Sports, Eves slammed the long-term Crewe manager.

"Gareth asked Dario Gradi to speak to me but he has declined to do so. Gareth McAuley has made his own enquiries about the club in that he has spoken to other players who have experience of playing with Crewe, and he has decided for now to stay with Lincoln City. That is not to say that he has closed the door on Crewe. It's Crewe's prerogative to close the door if that is what they wish to do. I resent Dario Gradi's inference that I am trying to scupper the deal by asking for an agent's fee and I would ask him to retract that statement."

This now means that the door is well and truly open for other clubs who are interested in McAuley and Crewe definatly weren't the only championship side interested as Leicester City also made an enquiry about the defender. We'll bring you more news as we get it.