Crawley Town defender Jamie Stevens will join the Blues on trial this week with a view to a permanent move. Stevens, 18, played for the Blue Square Premier side in their pre-season friendly with Town in July.

Mainly a central defender, although also operating at right full-back, Stevens will spend the first three days of this week at Playford Road.

Manager Steve Evans, a close friend of Town goalkeeper coach Andy Rhodes, says several clubs have shown interest in the former Boston player with one League One side almost signing him earlier in the week: "We were very close to agreeing a fee for him on Thursday, but we couldn't and as far as I'm concerned that deal is dead.

“I know Ipswich, Norwich, Palace and Southend watched him against Woking and he did not have the best of days, but he is going to be a really good player in the future.

"Whether that is with us depends on whether someone meets the valuation. I have been told by the directors that unless our valuation of him is agreed he is not going anywhere.

"I'm not doing part-bids, it has to be the figure we want and that is a significant fee. It would smash our transfer record.

"Ipswich want to look at him in among their first team players and I can understand that. The valuation we are talking about is not an issue with them if they see him doing well with the first team."

Stevens began his career at Rushden and Diamonds, then moved to Boston United, where he also played under Steve Evans, on a two-year scholarship.

The Holbeach-born player scored on his senior debut for the Pilgrims against Notts County in November 2006, one of two goals he netted in 11 starts and one sub appearance while at York Street.

In the summer, Stevens left the Lincolnshire club after their double demotion from League Two to the Blue Square North. Since then, the 5ft 11in tall defender has made 33 appearances for Crawley.

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