Crewe Robbed by Robins?

Bristol City have officially joined the race to sign Lincoln captain Jamie McCombe. Following Lincoln Chairman Steff Wright's announcement yesterday that Crewe could talk to their Player-of-the-Season, Bristol City decided to cement their interest in McCombe. The Robins triggered the £5,000 clause yesterday and it is now expected that McCombe will travel to Ashton Gate to discuss terms. Bristol City will now be favourites to sign the 6'5 centre-back due to their greater financial muscle, whilst Crewe will rely on their training facilities and reputation for developing players to entice McCombe to Gresty Road. However, like Crewe, a fee of around £100,000 will have to be agreed upon once terms have been agreed, as the already-triggered £5,000 clause only allows a club to talk to the player.

Crewe are becoming increasingly familiar with players knocking them back for 'bigger teams', with McCombe's team-mate Gareth McAuley doing so in January. Madjid Bougherra recently departed Crewe for Sheffield Wednesday, whilst Crewe were also recently rejected by a centre back - either Gareth McAuley again or Port Vale's George Pilkington.

Vital Crewe announced Bristol City's interest in McCombe yesterday: (Crewe Trigger McCombe Talks). Vital Crewe will keep you updated with Crewe's efforts in the transfer market this summer.

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