CREWE hope to re-sign loan star Chuks Aneke in time for Saturday’s season opener against Rotherham.

Alex boss Steve Davis wants the 20-year-old Arsenal player to improve his side’s goal threat as they bid for progress in League One.

It’s been a relatively poor pre-season for the Railwaymen with alarm bells ringing over a lack of firepower and creativity.

Having scored eight and weighed in with a number of key assists during last season’s successful loan stint, Aneke could provide the solution.

“The disappointing thing is that we’ve only scored one goal in our last two games,” admitted Davis.

“That’s always a concern.

“Ryan Colclough is the only one to have pushed himself forward as our biggest threat while Mathias (Pogba) looks to be out injured.

“I have had dialogue with Chuks.

“He was terrific for us last season and over time he showed the quality, creativity and scoring ability he can give us.

“He’s different to what we have got and he is the creative player Luke Murphy was for us.”

Davis is still trying to reach a compromise with Premiership Newcastle over a fee for midfielder Brad Inman.

Crewe have tabled a third offer for the 21-year-old midfielder who could still be signed in time to be on the bench this Saturday.

Leek striker Tim Grice, 24, is also currently on trial after netting in a shock 1-0 win over the Alex last month.

“We’ve had more talks with Newcastle over Brad,” added Davis.

“We want to try and get it sorted out as quickly as possible.

“He’s training at Reaseheath but he’s got quite a bit of work to do to get up to speed.

“We don’t really want it to go to a tribunal so hopefully we can agree with Newcastle and he can become a Crewe player.

“Tim was someone Neil (Baker) was going to fetch in and now we’re going to have a look at him.

“You never know, sometimes these guys are worth considering.”

Davis expects newly-promoted Rotherham to provide a stern test as they look to hit the ground running with three points.

Harry Davis, Abdul Osman and Adam Dugdale are all in the running to replace Luke Murphy as captain.

“I’ve still not made my mind up on positions and it depends a bit on Rotherham,” continued Davis.

“We’ll have done the organisation work to prepare for the big game.”

Crewe travel to Bury in the Capital Cup First Round on Tuesday (KO 7.45pm).