Eurosport - Nathan Ellington, left, has signed a deal with Crewe until the summer
The 31-year-old, who scored 59 league goals for the Latics between 2002 and 2005, has been on trial with the Railwaymen since January after being released by Championship strugglers Ipswich.
He has also enjoyed spells at Bristol Rovers, West Brom and Watford in the past.
The news will come as a relief to Crewe boss Steve Davis, who had been working to complete a move for the striker in time for his side's trip to Colchester on Saturday.
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