CREWE look set to lose captain Ashley Westwood in a £1M plus deal to Premiership outfit Swansea City.

Just weeks after receiving the armband and agreeing fresh terms, the 22-year-old midfielder has emerged as a target for the Swans before tomorrow’s transfer window deadline.

Reports suggest City have already had a £500,000 offer refused but boss Michael Laudrup is expected to return with an increased bid to get his man over the next 24 hours.

Westwood is thought to have already turned down interest from Championship club Peterborough while leaders Blackpool remain interested.

With the Alex looking to stabilise in League One, Westwood’s departure will come as a huge blow to the ambitions of boss Steve Davis.

“People are monitoring our players and Ashley is one of them,” said Davis.

“If the money is acceptable we don’t stand in a player’s way.

“It is a choice for ourselves; then the player.

“Nobody is forced to go.

“Hopefully we won’t lose anyone before the deadline but you never know.”

If the deal goes through, Westwood’s final performance will have been in Tuesday night’s Capital One Cup exit at West Ham (2-0).

Former striker Nicky Maynard and Modibo Maiga completed the formalities but Davis was pleased with the response after Crewe’s 5-1 mauling at Brentford, last Saturday.

“I’m a much happier manager than I was on Saturday,” he explained.

“I had a pop at them and told them that this was the perfect stage to put it right.

“The players worked hard, had their moments and gave it a real good go.

“The goalkeeper made a good save from AJ (Leitch-Smith) when he was played in and I thought we have a claim for a penalty when Harry Bunn went down.

“I think we should what we capable of, showed some ability and got Saturday’s result out of the system a bit.”

Striker Mathias Pogba is expected to return to the side as Crewe look to bounce back in the league at home to Coventry this Saturday.

Abdul Osman will replace Westwood if he departs tomorrow.

“We have to push on,” continued Davis.

“I will make sure the players get a bit of rest because some were tired and jaded after a tough run. But now we can look forward to Saturday’s game against Coventry.”