Zola was a popular figure with the Prenton Park faithful

Crewe have completed the signing of striker Calvin Zola from League One rivals Tranmere Rovers for �200,000 after his work permit was granted.

The Congolese 23-year-old joined Rovers in the summer of 2004 on a free transfer from Newcastle and scored 18 goals in 107 appearances for the club.

Rovers boss Ronnie Moore thinks Crewe's bid was too good to ignore.

"He was out of contract next summer and there was a risk he would leave us for free, so this is very good business."

Crewe had to appeal for Zola's work permit, and it came through on Friday.

Previous work permit problems had forced him to miss six months of the 2004/05 season.

Injury problems then curtailed his involvement at Prenton Park in the following two seasons.

Last season he scored five times from 22 starts and 13 substitute appearances.