CREWE boss Dario Gradi has confirmed that Wayne Collins is the target in his long-standing quest for an experienced midfielder.

The Alex boss held talks with the 32-year-old former star, last week, and is hopeful a deal can be struck despite wages proving the usual stumbling block.

"I have spoken to Wayne and he would be the type of player who would make a difference to us," said Gradi.

"He is a super lad and extremely fit. It is just a question of if Wayne wants to leave London and if we can agree a sensible deal with him.

"I won't break the wage structure we have in place here because we can't afford to pay huge wages because of the revenue we bring in, but when a player like Wayne comes along we have to go for it.

"We will have to see what competition we face for him, but I'm sure we will talk again before he signs any deal. We would be delighted to have him back here, because half the battle when signing a player is whether they will be able to settle in quickly. He knows us and would fit in easily because he knows what we're all about."

Gradi also confirmed the club has rejected a bid from Norwich City for want-away forward Mark Rivers.

"Only Norwich have made an enquiry this summer about Mark and it wasn't exciting enough for us.

"If Mark wants to speak to Norwich when he returns from holiday then we will not stand in his way. We would help him and try to come to some sort of agreement.

"Rivo wants a fresh challenge and I am past the point of trying to convince him to stay."

Two players who will be staying at the Alexandra Stadium are youngsters Richard Walker and John Grant.

The respective centre-half and forward have both penned one year deals and have already impressed Gradi with their work during close season.

"This football club is about young players like them, so if they go on and play a few games for us next season and push for a place in the squad then they would be a real bonus to us."

Preparation has been good as Gradi revealed: "Most players have been up to the training ground, working on their fitness and strength in a bid to remain injury free for next season."

One of the many plus points has been the continued progress of Phil Charnock.

"Phil has done all he can to make himself ready for the new season. If he can take this level of fitness on the field with him, he has every chance of coming through and solving the left-hand side void.

The eagerly awaited fixtures for Season 2001/02 are due out on Thursday, June 21.