Crewe manager Dario Gradi will be keeping a watchful eye on transfer developments at Manchester United as he ponders a move for Irish under-21 international Paul Tierney.
Gradi admitted earlier this week he was interested in bringing Tierney to Gresty Road on a season-long loan but believed his chances of a deal had diminished when the 19-year-old was named among the substitutes for United's opening game against West Brom.
With United holding talks with Rennes full-back Julien Escude over the weekend, and Boca Juniors's versatile defender Nicolas Burdisso also a reported target, Gradi has been offered new hope.
But Crewe spokesman Rob Wilson revealed that no new move was thought to be imminent. "Dario went to watch Paul in the reserves as he is looking for a left-back, and he said he was the best he'd seen," Wilson said.
"He would have had no hesitation in bringing the player to the club, but it looked like he was closer than ever before to Manchester United's first team and Dario didn't even ask Sir Alex Ferguson about the possibility.
"The chances of bringing him here are likely to improve if United bring in one of these defenders but Tierney is just one of a number of players the club is looking at".
PA