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Crewe have re-signed Finnish striker Lauri Dalla Valle, who had a successful two months at Gresty Road two years ago, on a deal until June 2016.

The Liverpool academy product, 23, scored five goals in 10 games for the Alex on loan from Fulham before joining Norwegian side Molde in February 2013.

But, after moving to Belgian second-tier side Sint-Truiden on a three-year contract, he was let go in the summer.

And he had been training at the League One club with a view to earning a deal.

Dalla Valle's arrival comes after the deadline day loan signings of two new strikers, Nicky Ajose and Uche Ikpeazu, who linked to fashion Crewe's goal in Saturday's 1-1 draw against Doncaster Rovers in League One.

And, although Crewe still sit bottom of table, they are only three points from safety and manager Steve Davis is confident that their season might at last be on the move.

"I could not bring in the players I wanted before for different reasons," he said. "I've just had to be patient. We're not top of the list. We understand that.

"But we've worked very hard to get them and, now we've got them, we need to make the most of them. The squad are in a better place mentally and physically and we're hoping for a very successful December."