Shakers close in on Cresswell

8:21am Friday 11th July 2008

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BURY should complete the signing of Sheffield United defender Ryan Cresswell this morning.

The 22-year-old, who spent time out on loan with Macclesfield Town last season, was due to sign for the Blades’ Hungarian sister club Ferencvaros.

But the youngster turned down a year on the Continent to sign a permanent deal with the Shakers.

Cresswell played for Bury assistant Chris Wilder at Halifax Town earlier in his career, and it was his influence that enabled Alan Knill to beat several League One clubs to the punch for his signature.

Elliott Bennett is also set for a Gigg Lane return after Knill negotiated a year-long deal with Wolves.

The teenage winger made a big impact at the end of last season on loan, and Knill was keen to bring him back to the club to help further his career.

However, the Championship club will keep him at Molineux for the next three weeks for training and a pre-season tour of Scotland.

“Wolves want to look at him for a couple of weeks but we have agreed a deal with Mick McCarthy and he will come to us,” said Knill.

“He wants to come back, he enjoyed it here last season and we have kept in touch.

“I think with another season behind him, he can become a real player.”

Bury are also reporting their highest season ticket sales in three years with just under a month remaining before the season kicks-off with a home game against Brentford.