Dario Gradi admits that his quest to land Lincoln City defender Gareth McAuley has 'hit a brick wall'. The Crewe Alexandra boss is still keen to speak to the Northern Ireland International and hasn't given hope that the highly rated defender would relish a move to the Championship.

Having agreed a fee with the League Two side, Crewe have been pursuing McAuley as their number one target during the transfer window - but the deal has stalled following the involvement of his agent, who is possibly holding out for other offers for his client.

Dario told crewealex.net: "We've hit a bit of brick wall with McAuley to a certain extent, but we haven't given up hope completely because I'm still trying to contact him. There are two many people involved now and it has made things complicated.

"I've tried to get hold of him but it has proved difficult. I just want his version of events really because you never know. If he turns around and says look 'I don't really want to come' then that's fine. If that is the case we will investigate other possibilities.