RICHARD BATTERSBY could be on the point of joining First Division Crewe Alexandra.

The Radcliffe Borough right back is just completing a second week on trial with the Nationwide League club and a decision on his long-term future with them will be made tomorrow.

If a deal goes ahead, Boro could be set to cash in to the tune of around £25,000 or even more, bearing in mind that Batts is still just 22, and, with full-time professional guidance, could have a great future ahead of him.

Battersby was back at Stainton Park last Saturday to play for the Boro in the 1-1 draw with Farsley Celtic, but he was off to Gresty Road on Monday again for more training with Dario Gradi and his Crewe.

"Crewe are making a decision on Friday and, with a bit of good fortune for the lad, that could be the last we see of him," said Radcliffe Borough manager, Kevin Glendon.

"He has certainly made an impression down there and that's brilliant."

Glendon is also scouring the transfer market in a bid to bring in a new striker and, possibly, a midfield player too.

The Boro boss wants back up for 18-goal top scorer Jody Banim and his strike partner Richard Landon and feels current reserve strikers, Lee Kissock and Dave Collins would benefit from a spell out on loan with another club.

"I just want to freshen things up, get everybody at it and bring a couple of new players in," said Glendon.

"There's nothing wrong with adding a bit more quality to your squad. I told the lads in training last night what I was trying to do and they thought it was great."

Glendon was hoping to have made inroads on his targets by Saturday when Leek Town come to Stainton Park for what should be another cracking game (kick-off 3pm).

The Staffordshire side have shot up the UniBond Division One table since Boro thumped them 3-0 at Harrison Park back on September 20 and now lie in third place, two points behind Boro, who top the table with 40 points.

Skipper Mark Dempsey will be available again for Radcliffe after serving a one-match ban that ruled him out of the Farsley game and Glendon reports no injury worries ahead of what he reckons will be: "A top class game. Leek have really pushed on since we beat them down there.

"Its third v first and I hope the fans will come along to watch what I reckon will be a real treat if it is anything like the game down at Leek."