LEIGH RMI goal star, Steve Jones, was today on the brink of a sensational £150,000 transfer - one of the biggest in non-league history.

Crewe Alexandra and Tranmere Rovers are both attempting to sign the 23-year-old warhouseman-driver in a deal that would give the Hilton Park club a massive cash injection.

Leigh manager Steve Waywell confirmed: "I think he will be gone this week. Tranmere desperately want him but so do Crewe."

The transfer tug-of-war confirms Jones, who scored 19 goals last season, as one of the hottest properties outside the Football League.

Second Division Tranmere appeared to be favourites to land the England semi-professional international with new Prenton Park boss, Dave Watson, confirming he was keen to secure a deal.

But First Division Crewe, who yesterday sold striker Mark Rivers to Norwich for £500,000, have emerged as a potential rival.

Jones, who finished second in the Conference goal charts last season and enhanced his reputation with two impressive appearances for the England semi-professional side, is believed to have spoken to Crewe officials last night. But Leigh deny they have had any firm bids for the player, other than the £45,000 offer from fellow Conference club, Morecambe, which they rejected.

They are resigned, however, to losing their highly-rated top scorer and a deal appears to be imminent.

Waywell added: "I did not want to lose him but I am glad it looks like being sorted out as now I can plan ahead. I have not been able to do so not knowing whether he would be here or not.

"He is a great player - something a bit special. He can come up with a goal when things aren't going right for you and he will be sorely missed." Waywell can now turn his attention to strengthening his squad for the new season. He says he is concentrating on signing two midfield players, a goalkeeper, a centre-back and a forward.

"I won't see much of the money but even a small amount of it will be very helpful for us. The majority of the money has to go on other things which I knew before and accepted."

The Leigh players report back for pre-season training on July 10 when Waywell will again have Dave Miller by his side. Waywell's assistant applied for the vacant manager's job at Stalybridge but lost out to Paul Futcher.