The Alex have handed the 23-year-old defender a trial after his decision to quit Field Mill.

At the end of the season Buxton said he preferred a move to stay in the Football League.

However, he had been thinking over a new offer to stay at the Stags from former manager Paul Holland. But when the club was sold two weeks ago and Billy McEwan appointed manager, Buxton quickly rejected new terms - and negotiated a free transfer rather than a fee the Stags had been looking for.

• Buxton leaving Field Mill

He joined Crewe for training on Saturday and figured in a 4-1 friendly for the League One side on Tuesday night against Unibond League side Quorn.

Assistant manager Neil Baker told the Stoke Evening Sentinel: "Jake negotiated a free transfer from Mansfield and he's a player we've seen a few times. From what I've seen before, he's a good defender who's more than capable in the air.

"We've brought him in on trial for this week and we'll have to decide whether he's someone we'd want for the season ahead. I'd expect us to make a decision on him pretty quickly."

• We broke the Stags takeover news - and the dismissal of Paul Holland, appointment of his replacement and Micky Boulding's exit - first with our free StagsWatch mobile text alert. Are you one of the lucky ones who have already signed up to this service? If not, read how to sign up here.