EASTLEIGH are believed to be on the brink of signing midfielder Danny Hollands from Crewe Alexandra.

The 31-year-old ex-Cherries and Portsmouth player held talks with Crewe boss Dave Artell last night and is believed to be looking for a return down south.

Hollands joined Crewe on a five-month contract in August last year and the deal was later extended to the end of the season.

Artell wanted to retain Hollands who had overcome a torn tendon injury and declared himself fit for the final game of the League Two season against Barnet.

But the Crewe boss told the club’s official website: “I spoke to Danny last night and he informed me that he has been offered by a club closer to home.

"I respect that and he was apologetic on the phone because I know he enjoyed his time with us.

“He has a young family and it was difficult.

"I told him that we didn’t have the resources to re-locate his family and I appreciate that his family have to come first.

"He is a top professional and he goes with our best wishes.

Artell added: “I wanted to keep him because he is the type of character I want at the club, but I also respect that he wants the best for his family.”

Hollands made 219 appearances for the Cherries in a five-year spell between 2006 and 2011.

After 94 appearances for Pompey, he left Fratton Park last summer, having turned down the offer of a fresh contract.