Crewe have signed Exeter full-back Danny Woodards for an undisclosed fee. The 23-year-old former Chelsea trainee had rejected a new deal with the Grecians, where he made 53 appearances after joining in October 2005.
However, Burnley midfielder John Spicer, 23 - who had looked set to move to Gresty Road on loan last week - has stalled on a possible loan switch.
Meanwhile, defender Mark Roberts, 23, has left Crewe to make his loan spell at Northwich Victoria permanent.
It comes on a busy day for transfers at Gresty Road, which has also seen midfielders Tony Grant and Lee Bell leave to join Accrington (as player-coach) and Burton respectively.
Meanwhile, Vics boss Steve Burr has recalled winger Danny Mayman from his loan spell at Alfreton Town.