STEVE Davis insists there is no problem with the Crewe Alexandra board after their last-minute decision to block John Lundstram’s transfer.

The Alex boss spoke of his frustration after more than two months of negotiations fell foul of the club’s cautious approach.

The 21-year-old former Everton midfielder had been their number one target and the ordeal overshadowed David Fox’s arrival.

Davis felt the potential resale value of Lundstram and his proven quality made it worth a gamble.

“I had the conversation with the board and we weren’t able to do it,” he said.

“I wanted to bring in our number one target but he’ll move somewhere else now.

“We had really positive talks, I met him and he was keen to come.

“John accepted the offer but the powers that be would not allow it.

“Everyone at the club didn’t quite feel that we could do a deal.

“It’s disappointing but this is football, it can happen and we move on.

“I’m frustrated, there were over two months of conversations with this player, he had opportunities to go to the Championship but he recognised that he needed to play.

“He’s been on loan at a number of clubs, been involved in two promotions, captained England in four age groups and I saw it as an investment for us – an exciting player to come into the team and the sort we should welcome.

“But at the last minute not all parties have agreed on it.

“The board run the club, I just try and do the best for the club by getting the best players I can.

“I think I’ve done that.”

Lundstram would have smashed Crewe’s wage structure hence Fox, 31, joining on a one-year deal.

“He brings great experience to a young team, he had a good season at Colchester and they wanted him to stay,” added Davis.

“He’s still got lots to offer and he fits the DNA of what we want.”

Crewe’s philosophies also look to have ended hopes of signing trialist Souleymane Coulibaly.

The 20-year-old netted at Congleton (3-1) before a double at Alsager (7-1) but any deal is now off.

“I liked him, he has got something,” continued Davis.

“His agent was keen to know what was happening but it’s difficult to judge him at Alsager and Congleton.

“If he had done that against Championship clubs I think we’d be signing him.

“Would he be blocking off our own players? We invest a lot of money into the academy and it’s my job to consider that. The decision is always around giving our own players a chance first.”