CREWE Alexandra boss Dario Gradi is stepping up his hunt for Tommy Miller.

The free-scoring midfielder is expected to move up from the Third Division this summer, with the First Division or Premiership the most likely destination.

And Gradi - armed with £750,00 from the sale of Mark Rivers to Norwich - claimed he has already had a bid rejected.

He said: "It's out of our hands now, we went about our negotiations properly. We were hopeful he would sign.''

However, Northern Echo Sport understands that no firm bid has been lodged, although Pool chairman Ken Hodcroft and his Crewe counterpart have been in discussions.

A Pool spokesman confirmed: "An approach has been made from Crewe, but with the player concerned and Chris Turner on holiday it wasn't taken any further.''

Miller is on holiday until next week and Turner isn't back at his desk until a week on Monday.

Gradi first lodged his interest back in February, but Pool boss Chris Turner denied an offer was made at the time.

Norwegian outfit Brann Bergen are keen for the 21-goal midfielder to join them, but a permanent move is unlikely to go ahead.

The clubs - looking to foster their links through Pool owners IOR Ltd - discussed the possibility of Miller moving to Norway on loan to play a part in Brann's Champions' League campaign, but UEFA regulations stipulate that any international transfer must be for a minimum of three months.

Pool boss Turner won't lose his player without the compensation of a substantial transfer fee.

One Pool player heading to Norway is Brian Ross, who will team up with Fana for a three-month period.

Freed defender Neil Aspin has been appointed player coach at Unibond League Harrogate Town, while Kidderminster boss Jan Molby is planning talks with Sam Shilton.

Aspin started last season at Darlington before moving to Victoria Park on a free transfer in January. A Harrogate spokesman said: "We are highly delighted to have captured such a signing. It is a further indication that we are very keen to move onward and upward."

Harrogate will host Aspin's former club Leeds in a pre-season friendly on Monday, August 13 (7.45).