Brad Inman: Crewe Alexandra make 'final' offer to Newcastle

Crewe Alexandra boss Steve Davis has confirmed that the club will make a fourth and "final" offer to Newcastle United for ex-Alex loan man Brad Inman.

The 21-year-old midfielder is out of contract at St James' Park but has turned down a new deal.

"We've spoken to Brad and his agent over personal terms, which we are close to, so we can go back with that final offer," Davis told BBC Radio Stoke.

"We have to draw the line somewhere and fit in with what we can afford."

If the two clubs cannot agree a fee for Inman, who made 26 appearances during a loan spell at Gresty Road last season, the case could go to a tribunal to agree a fee.

But Davis, who has allowed Inman to train with the Alex over the last month, is cautious on whether the club will go down this route.

"If we can't agree a fee outside a tribunal," he added, "do we risk a tribunal with an open cheque book?

"I think we've made a very good offer, which I think would be similar to a tribunal, but it's whether the club is willing to take the chance.

"We don't want to pay double what we've offered but, at the same time, we could pay less, which is the gamble you take when you go to a tribunal."

Meanwhile, Crewe academy boss Neil Critchley, who has overseen the development of successful youth players including Nick Powell, Ashley Westwood and Luke Murphy, is set to become the new manager of Liverpool's Under-18s.

"It bodes well," Davis told BBC Radio Stoke. "This is a sign of the quality that comes through the club.

"We don't just develop players. We develop coaches and it leaves the door open for someone else to come in and develop.

"He will be a great loss to us because he is a great lad, and a great servant to the club. He has done a brilliant job with the young players who have come through. I've a lot of time and respect for Neil.

"We'll get someone else in. It is not a negative thing, it is a real positive that one of our bright young coaches is considered by Brendan Rodgers."