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This summer has so far been, let's face it, a nightmare. After that great day on May 8th much was expected for the summer with many new faces required if we were to stand a chance of staying up in the coming season. So far, however, it appears more issues have been created than solved this summer. CreweMad explores what has happened and what could happen this summer.
Earlier in the summer, Dario made Sam Parkin his number 1 target and enquired about the ex-Chelsea striker. With Watford our only rivals at the start of bidding, it appeared Crewe might have a slight chance of securing the 'outstanding candidate'. However, as Ipswich's interest arose, it became clear that Crewe would never be able to compete with Ipswich's attraction or wages.
Dario has also been after Juan Ugarte for some time now and it seems like this saga is never-ending. Ugarte, who is out of contract at Wrexham, phoned Dario earlier this summer and said he would like to join. Contract negotiations begun and everything was going well. Interest from other clubs yet again arose and Crewe's chances appeared to be almost hopeless. However, Ugarte surprisingly spurned interest from Leeds, Sheff Utd, Oldham, Coventry and Cardiff leaving Crewe as the only remaining interested side. Despite all this good news, bad news soon surfaced with Dario highlighting the possibility of Ugarte's agents demands scuppering the deal. The saga continues...
Eddie Johnson is another target for the Crewe boss. Johnson left Crewe's academy at the age of 14 to join Man Utd. However, Johnson hasn't made the desired break through at Old Trafford and spend last season on loan at Coventry. Dario wants Johnson to play a target man role but the deal will only go ahead if Johnson feels able to play the role. If Johnson agrees to play in the main striker position the deal will go ahead as Johnson is due for talks with the club this weekend and no agent will be involved in the talks.
The above three targets have been the main saga's of the summer although there are also a variety of other targets Dario may look to bring in. With Colin Murdock heading for Rotherham, Gradi has earmarked a Premiership defender to bring in on loan believed to be ex-Barcelona starlet Gerard Pique from Man Utd. A foreign striker has also been targetted having been recommended to Dario by various people close to the Crewe boss. The striker may be invited to join the club on trial with view to a deal. It is also rumoured that Michael Bridges has trained with the club although Bridges won't be joining the club. Dario also gave permission for Ashley Ward to join the club although he also stated Ward will definately not join the club. Rumours also suggest that the club is not finished selling players with Steve Jones reported to be Watford-bound.
With rumours flying around, only time will tell what happens this summer. One thing that is for sure is that signings are required if Crewe are to stay up next season.