Crewe Face Battle For Barnard

Dario & Steve Holland have identified Luke Varney's short term replacement in Tottenham's young striker Lee Banard. Barnard scored 18 goals in 19 games for the Tottenham reserved side 2 seasons ago but a broken leg last season ruled him out long term. The highly rated youngster has returned to fitness this summer and Tottenham seem willing to loan him out for the whole of next season.

It was Steve Holland, the new First Team Coach, who spotted Banard after Tottenham showed interest in giving Holland their Academy's top job. Holland is now using his contacts to full effect as he embarks on his first season 'in charge' but may still miss out on Banard. Millwall have already shown an interest and a chance for regular football whilst staying in London may be too good to turn down for the 22 year old.

Barnard has already been shown round the Reaseheath training ground but despite convincing Bopp, Schumacher and Jones to sign Dario admits this one won't be so easy. Dario said 'We have someone in mind (for a loan), a player we've got an outside chance on.

'But I don't know whether we're going to be able to get him.'

If Barnard turns down the season long loan at Crewe Dario will turn his thoughts to young Alex striker Tom Pope, who Dario hopes will follow in the footsteps of Dean Ashton and Luke Varney, before persuing other targets.

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