CREWE appear to be continuing their pursuit of experienced performers in the summer market after former Wolves and Burnley defender Stephen Ward dropped onto their radar.

Ward, 35, is a free agent after leaving League One rivals Ipswich at the end of last term and it is understood the Alex have inquired about the Republic of Ireland internationalist.

Defensive acquisitions have been to the forefront of Dave Artell's mind with the Alex boss completing the signing of centre-half Tommie Hoban yesterday.

He has signed Southampton youngster Kane Ramsay on a season-long loan with the right side of the back four in mind. But the departure of Harry Pickering to Blackburn has left a gap on the left, although homegrown Rio Adebisi featured their last season.

It would be an audacious swoop for Ward, who boasts an impressive CV with a seven-year stint at Wolves and Premiership stints both with the Molineux club and Burnley, whom he joined in 2014.

The finances of such a deal might in normal times be beyond Crewe's asking. But a pandemic-hit market offers up possibilities, while Ward's lengthy (15 seasons) career in the English game is drawing to a close.

The left-back spent an injury-hit and Covid-affected 2019/2020 campaign with Stoke before joining the Tractor Boys last summer. Despite making 31 appearances he was not offered an extension to his contract at Portman Road.

Capped 50 times for Ireland, Ward featured at Euro 2012 and Euro 2016 for his country.

Artell has show he is prepared to marry Crewe's outstanding young talent with experienced foot soldiers with midfielder Paul Green and Eddie Nolan providing sterling service in recent campaigns.

Only last week former Bournemouth, Wigan and Rotherham veteran midfielder Shaun MacDonald, 33, arrived at the Mornflake Stadium.

Meanwhile, the Alex players returned for their first day of pre-season training yesterday (Thursday). New recruit Hoban was in the ranks and he told the club's official web site of his delight in signing.

"To be back in England was nice family-wise and closer to home. As soon as I heard of the interest I did my research and everyone I spoke to spoke very highly of Crewe - I am glad to be here," said Hoban.

"I like to get the ball down and play, but I am first and foremost a defender and stopping goals going in is my No.1 job."

Crewe play their first warm-up game at Nantwich Town a week on Sunday (July 11).