Newsround
Last updated : 09 June 2004 By Site Staff
Since Dario revealed news that he had approached for a 'attack minded' youngster yesterday, the only name that has been in the hat has been Mansfield Town's Liam Lawrence. The 22 year old, who scored 22 goals from midfield last season, is out of contract this summer but being under 24 would mean Crewe having to pay compensation - likely to be around £200,000.
Dario told the Sentinel he has spoken to the player and will hopefully know the answer by the end of the week;"We're still trying to sign another attacking player. We've spoken to him and made our personal terms known to him and it will be up to him."
The blond haired attack minded player is also being watched by Cardiff, Sunderland, Burnley and Rotherham and whilst the Mansfield Official site says Lawrence is in deep discussion with clubs, it seems only Crewe and Rotherham have made firm offers.
Gary Roberts has been offered professional terms, just a week after his team mate Billy Jones was also offered a professional contract. Both are expected to sign over the next few days that would keep them here for at least three years.
Both players made their debuts at the age of 16 last season, with Billy Jones becoming a integral part of the team. Both are in the England U-17 squad and top tipped for massive things.
Dario has told CreweAlex.net, the official site, that Neil Mellor is still an option he is pursuing. With Liam Lawrence being eyed up and Andy White being signed fans were beginning to wonder if the young scouser had been forgotten about - but Dario is still waiting for a phone call from Mellor.
Dario wants to try and convince the striker that he'd still be better off at Crewe on loan than trying to impress Liverpool's new manager on the training ground; but Dario just can't make contact with Mellor.
Dario said, “I’ve not spoken to Neil and I suppose that if he wanted to come here then he would have contacted me, but with what is happening at Liverpool at the moment, you can’t really blame him for waiting to see what materialises. Hopefully, they will appoint a new manager in the next couple of weeks and Neil will know a bit more."
