FORMER Wrexham striker Juan Ugarte, who has yet to figure in a Championship game for his new club Crewe Alexandra, has held clear-the-air talks with manager Dario Gradi.

And he has been told he needs to sharpen up if he is to force his way into the Gresty Road reckoning.

Ugarte, who scored 22 goals for the Dragons after signing a short-term contract 12 months ago, turned down the chance to stay at the Racecourse after the club was relegated and instead accepted a two-year deal at Crewe.

But he has played only one senior match and now Gradi has conceded that the Basque-born player might be allowed to go out on loan.

"I've spoken to Juan and naturally he is a little bit frustrated not to have been involved more with the first team," said the Crewe boss.

"I've told him that he will get another chance at some point but I'm eager to give Luke Rodgers that chance at the moment after his injury.

"Juan has had a couple of chances and it has been a bit of step-up for him at this level.

"He has to be brighter and sharper if he is going to be a success in the Championship.

"I knew in the summer that I signed more strikers than I really needed and it is up to them to fight it out for a place.

"These things sort themselves out and Juan knows where he stands.

"He said he would come in and score goals, but this is a different level for him and he needs to be quicker and fitter to have the impact we need.

"It may be the case that we will look to loan him out at some point, although not at the moment. That is a possibility and we might do that."

Wrexham manager Denis Smith said yesterday it was unlikely that Ugarte would return to the Racecourse on a temporary basis. With the League Two club in administration, special Football League permission is needed for any additions to the 20-strong Racecourse squad.

"I speak to Juan on quite a regular basis so I know what the situation for him is," said the Dragons boss.

"He's having a few problems at the moment but he made the decision to go to Crewe and he has got to live with that. As things stand here at the moment, nothing is likely to happen and nothing can happen until Dario makes a decision about sending the lad out somewhere.

"But if and when we come out of administration, it could be a different story and we'll have to wait and see how things turn out."

Meanwhile Smith is hoping to extend Paul Linwood's loan spell for a further month. The Tran-mere defender came in four weeks ago to cover injuries and suspensions and has quickly settled in.

"I've not heard anything from Tranmere Rovers to the contrary so I'm assuming they are happy for Paul to stay on with us," he added.

"From my point of view I'll be delighted because the lad has done a very good job for me."

Tranmere centre-back Ian Sharps has recovered from his knee injury, eliminating the need for manager Brian Little to recall Linwood immediately.