By David Lynch, Merseyside Correspondent

21st Jun, 2023 | 10:20am

Sources: Stevenage, Salford City and Forest Green in race to sign ex-Chelsea starlet Uwakwe

Stevenage, Salford City and Forest Green are all vying to sign former Chelsea starlet Tariq Uwakwe this summer, sources have told Football Insider.

The midfielder, 23, is nearing the end of the 18-month contract he signed with Crewe Alexandra in January 2022 and has yet to accept the offer of fresh terms.

That has led to a scramble for his signature on a free transfer, with several clubs across League One and Two interested.

Stevenage are hoping to snare Uwakwe as they prepare for a return to the third tier after securing promotion courtesy of a second-placed finish last year.

Forest Green, meanwhile, are aiming to quickly bounce back to League One following their relegation under former Everton striker Duncan Ferguson.

And Salford are planning another push for promotion from League Two after suffering disappointment at the hands of Stockport County in the play-off semi-fnals last time out.

Uwakwe comes with a wealth of experience across both divisions, having represented Crewe in League One and Two during his time at the club.

He also enjoyed a productive spell on loan at Accrington Stanley in 2020-21, scoring four goals across 21 appearances in all competitions.

The former England youth international clocked up 36 League Two appearances in total last term, and found the back of the net once to help Lee Bell’s men secure a mid-table finish.

He also previously spent 15 years in Chelsea’s academy prior to leaving in search of regular first-team football.

Crewe boss Bell recently spoke of his optimism that an agreement over a new deal might be reached.

He said: “On Tariq, I’ve spoken to his agent, and hopefully with more dialogue that can get sorted sooner rather than later.”

In other news, Cheltenham Town are set to announce the capture of a Premier League striker.