The Spaniard, 24, is out of contract at the Racecourse and has not accepted the offer of a new deal.

Ugarte came to Wrexham in October 2004 and has impressed since scoring 22 goals in 38 appearances.

The former Real Sociedad attracted interest from a host of clubs including Leeds, Crewe, Coventry, Oldham Athletic, Barnsley and Cardiff.

Dario on Target Number Juan

From Crewe Alexandra Official Site

Dario Gradi remains hopeful of adding Spanish striker Juan Ugarte to his ranks after holding talks with the Wrexham forward for much of the close season. Ugarte is still currently abroad undertaking some exams, but Dario wants the former Real Sociedad man to return to these shores as quickly as possible to complete a deal.

Nothing is ever easy when negotiating a possible transfer, especially when your target has spent the majority of the summer in a foreign country and Dario wants the 24-year-old hitman back as soon as possible to advance talks and hopefully secure his sought-after signature.

Ugarte was expected in Crewe this afternoon for further talks with Dario, the chairman and to have a look around our facilities at Reaseheath - but that was postponed due to his commitments in Spain.

Dario has told crewealex.net that things will now have to progress at a rapid pace or he will seek other alternatives as he plans his pre-season.

"We haven't signed anyone as yet but we are getting closer with both our striker targets. We were set to meet Juan this afternoon to continue our ongoing discussions but he has undertaking some exams in Spain and is unavailable to come, says Dario.

"I've now told him and his advisor that he needs to get over here at the first available opportunity, so we can climax the deal or we will look elsewhere. We have other irons in the fire and we will activate them if something isn't concluded soon.

"Juan had approached us at the end of the season about coming here and he is a goalscorer on a free transfer, so of course we are interested. We have been speaking with him and his agent for a while now, but we need to sort it out one-way or another.

"It has been difficult because he has been away for most the summer, but he seems keen to come here and we are keen to get him here. His agent did provide a list of demands and they will need to be ironed out.

He added: "These are things like clauses, relocation and goal bonuses, which I've already stated will be over my dead body. They are no good for team spirit and I don't agree with them."

Ugarte looks set to leave Wrexham

Juan had approached us at the end of the season about coming here

Dario Gradi