Jones has not started a game since Gradi returned as manager

Left-back Billy Jones could be set to leave Crewe Alexandra in January after caretaker manager Dario Gradi revealed he has asked to leave the club.

Jones, 26, is out of contract in June and Gradi told BBC Radio Stoke that he may look to cash in on the defender when the transfer window re-opens.

"Some weeks ago, Southend showed an interest, but he wasn't fit," he said.

"He wants to leave at the end of the season so we'll circulate his name for the January transfer window."

Jones, who was named captain by Gudjon Thordarson at the start of the season, lost his first-team place through suspension and injury.

I'm not looking for a left-footer to play at left-back Dario Gradi

Upon his return to full fitness, Jones has been unable to dislodge youngster Ashley Westwood from the side, managing just 13 minutes of first-team action since the start of October.

"He (Ashley) has done well at full-back," added Gradi. "I'm not looking for a left-footer to play at left-back.

"All those years ago, Rob Jones played at left-back for me in that way, and ended up playing for Liverpool in that way."

Jones started his career at Leyton Orient and had spells with Kidderminster and Exeter, before joining the Alex in 2007.

He has made 84 appearances for the League Two club, scoring nine goals.

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