Salem who had a trial with Nottingham Forest in August scored one goal in a 2-0 win over West Brom in the reserve league.
Salem had impressed chief scout Glyn Chamberlain when he had a few reserve matches for Forest last month. Crewe then tried to do a deal with his club Second Divison Dutch side AGOVV Apeldoorn but the transfer window beat the club to a deal.
Now Salem has had his contract with the Dutch club cancelled and would be able to sign for Crewe if he was to impress but they have competition from Belgium club Royal Antwerp who are monitoring the player.
Crewe assistant boss Neil Baker told the Stoke Sentinal "We know Royal Antwerp are keen to sign him, while he has been on trial at Nottingham Forest.
"He's quick and a decent size and we tried to do something before the deadline with his club.
"Then we thought we might be able to take him on loan, but we can't as he is an overseas player. In the meantime, his Dutch club have come to an arrangement with him and cancelled his contract."