SHAKERS loan striker Colin Cramb has turned down a move to Walsall to stay with Bury until the end of the season.

And if the Shakers can raise £100,000 then Cramb could be signed permanently.

Transfer business is stepping up ahead of Thursday's deadline with Darren Bullock playing in a trial match for Sheffield United last night. United boss Neil Warnock will decide today whether or not to sign the hardman midfielder.

And skipper Nick Daws is still a Bury player, despite renewed attempts by First Division Queens Park Rangers to lure the long-serving player down South.

But the news which will interest Shakers fans most is Cramb's signature which means he and Jon Newby will form a devastating front two partnership at least until the end of the season.

Delighted Bury boss Andy Preece said: "A couple of clubs including Walsall tried to get Cramby but he's decided to stay here and that's great for us.

"Crewe want to sell him but what they're talking about we can't afford at the moment. He's got two and a half years left on his contract at Crewe and they're talking £100,000 but we'll certainly try and sort something out."

About Darren Bullock Preece said last night: "He's playing for Sheffield United tonight because they want to have a closer look at him and maybe something might come of that, whether it's loan till the end of the season or a permanent move."

And on Nick Daws the manager added: "He's playing really well at the moment and QPR were interested. He didn't want to go but there's still 24 hours to go."

Meanwhile, Preece dismissed rumours that Bury are attempting to resign full back Dean West, who left Gigg to join Burnley two years ago.