Bougherra To Sign On Loan

At tonight's Fans Forum, Dario Gradi revealed that the club are close to signing a French-based defender on loan. The defender, who is apparently tall and quick, impressed in a behind-closed-doors friendly against Port Vale last Monday and Dario has since decided to sign the player on loan.

It is believed that the defender is due to play for a French club on Saturday and will arrive in England on Monday to conclude the deal. As part of the deal, £5,000 will be paid to an agent.

The defender in question is believed to be Madjid Bougherra, an Algerian international who has been capped 8 times. 23-year old Bougherra plays for FC Gueugnon, the same club at which Sylvain Distin began his career. Bougherra is 6'2 and having recently been on trial at Kallithea FC, a Greek club, he turned down their subsequent offer. If indeed Bougherra is the defender Crewe are hoping to loan, they will need to move quickly as Bougherra has been subject of numerous offers recently, including one from Dubai.

Meanwhile, it is believed that there is a meeting at 10am tomorrow where a contract will be signed to conclude a transfer. However, it is not known which player this transfer involves, if indeed such a meeting is taking place.