Wayne Collins ss

Fulham have admitted Crewe target Wayne Collins could leave for free this summer after rejecting a new contract offer.

The 31-year-old midfielder is set to become a free agent on July 1 and could return to Gresty Road to team up with former mentor Dario Gradi.

Fulham spokeswoman Sarah Brookes said: "Wayne is out of contract so there's a possibility. But we haven't been approached by Crewe."

Gradi plucked Collins from non-league Winsford United and still looks upon the player as one of his favourite football sons.

The Crewe boss is scouring the country for a box-to-box midfielder with an eye for goal to take the pressure off Kenny Lunt next season - and many fans feel Collins would be the ideal solution.

But the club are unlikely to make their move straight away, so it is no surprise that Fulham have not been contacted, and appear set to move once Collins becomes a free agent.