Nigel Clough was in charge at Burton Albion when 21-year-old Brayford joined the Railwaymen and Clough has always been an admirer of the Stoke born defender who came through the ranks with the Brewers.
With the prospects of playing in League Two, Crewe may look to set to cash in on their prized asset and a fee of £500k-£600k has been muted of which Burton would receive 20%.
Clough who took over at Derby in January told The Derby Evening Telegraph 'We know John, we know his capabilities.
'He is on a long list of players. It is who we can get - we will start at the top and work our way down from there but he is certainly somebody we admire.
'He has done very well at Crewe, getting accustomed to the level.
'John played well in the youth team at Burton. Then he got in the first team, settled in and played well there, and maintained the same level at League One.
'Can he do it again in the league above?
'For anybody from the lower level, that`s the key.'