CREWE'S David Wright is here to stay for the immediate future as a dream move to the Premiership failed to materialise before the transfer window closed on Monday.

The 23-year-old who has been a regular in the first team for over six seasons had been linked with a move to both Fulham and Leeds over the weekend.

However hopes for a career in the top flight will have to wait until at least January when the window reopens and no-one will question his commitment when he pulls on an Alex shirt against Rotherham, Saturday week.

Boss Dario Gradi believes he's ready to ply his trade against the top clubs and it isn't about the money.

"David spent a day at Leeds last week instigated by myself," he admitted.

"I think he's ready to play in the Premiership and he would like to.

"I think Peter Reid was interested but obviously not enough to push it through before the deadline."

Reports of a £500,000 move to Fulham on Monday morning now appear simply speculation as Gradi explains: "We've not even spoken to Fulham.

"It's absolutely ridiculous and I don't know how people get away with it.

"He went to Leeds to see how he would figure with their players, there was no talk of money at that stage.

"Our policy is to let the kids go on.

"When we persuade players to sign long contracts, we don't want them to feel like we've trapped them.

"I think that's being fair to the player.

"We don't need the money, it's not a money thing. It's a David Wright thing. This is the first time I'm sure he's ready.

"He's reached a good level of consistency and I don't think anyone can go past him.

"When I look back at Rob Jones, I think he's as good as he was when he went to Liverpool.

"I get on well with Peter (Reid) and they'd just let a right back go so I asked him to take a look at David.

"Perhaps we left it a bit late and I haven't been able to talk to Peter yet.

"David knows it's down to how he plays now and we'll try and help him.

"At the beginning of last season I didn't think Rob Hulse was ready to go but by the end of it he had improved considerably.

"I always look back at the Maurice Doyle sale.

"When he went to QPR he was nowhere near ready and I didn't think he would go but he did.

"He spent two or so years in their reserves and was never really heard of again and I always feel guilty about that."

With Saturday's game against Preston off due to internationals, the Alex have a break until the Millmoor date, live on Sky.

Adie Moses is the only one who could be struggling to make it at the moment after sustaining a hamstring injury in the 1-0 defeat at Burnley.

"Adie's out for a bit," revealed Gradi.

"He's talking about next week but I think he could be a little optimistic.

"Chris McCready has done well when he's come in at full-back or centre-half and he's ready to play."

l New signing Anthony Tonkin made his debut as a strong Crewe Reserve side beat Tranmere in a behind closed doors friendly on Tuesday.

On loan from Bolton, striker Jonathan Walters grabbed the only goal of the game with a bullet header to steer home Neil Sorvel's cross.

Left-back Tonkin impressed during his 60 minute run out and Neil Sorvel and Richard Walker both came through unscathed.