CREWE Alexandra look set to sign an experienced striker on loan before next week’s deadline.

Despite current financial restraints, the Alex will move to bolster their firepower and chances of beating the drop.

It looks a necessity after netting just one goal in their last six games and only 13 in 17 so far this season.

However boss Steve Davis says he overspent on his budget to take Nicky Ajose from Leeds last season and will not be allowed to repeat.

Although a January move was more favourable to the board, Davis has been making enquiries and establishing targets as the club have little choice but to act quickly.

“We have made a few enquiries, I think they have been positive,” he said “Ajose came at a cost last season, he didn’t come cheap and that impacted on the budget which I have to stay within this year.

“We went slightly over it last year because of his loan so it might be we have to wait until January, but hopefully we can do something by the deadline.

“We’ve had a meeting to see what we can do.

“We’ve scored one goal in the last six, we are very young and experience would be a great asset to us at the moment.

“If we do it and if we are allowed to do it, we want to bring in someone who can influence the team and help the players around them.

“We have a lot of players we are watching and coming up with the names isn’t a problem.

“They are there but it is just whether we can afford to do it.

“It’s also whether the clubs will let them go and whether they’ll want to come because they know what they are coming into.

“All those questions have to be answered.

“There is more to it than just saying ‘we want this player’, it’s is a long process."

Despite the urgency, it looks unlikely there will be any arrivals before Saturday’s home clash against Peterborough United or the mid-week trip to Colchester on Tuesday.

Plans haven’t been helped by a number of absentees.

Marcus Haber has been away on international duty with Canada and is unlikely to return until tomorrow (Friday).

Both Callum Saunders and Harry Wilson have also been off with Wales under 21s.

Lauri Dalla Valle has not trained yet this week due to a neck injury, while Brad Inman is also struggling.

“We’re not sure if Lauri will make the weekend or not,” added Davis.

“That’s given Callum his chance and he’s worked very hard.

“He’s not had a reward for his work at the moment and he’ll have to keep plugging away.”