Crewe Alexandra Manager David Artell has revealed that his midfielder James Jones will remain with the Football Club after a deal could not be agreed with an EFL Club.

Jones scored 11 goals last season from his 50 appearances in League Two and that consistent form had prompted interest from another EFL club.

The Scotland Under 21 International is currently recovering from a hernia operation but remains on track to return within in 4-6 weeks.

Artell admits that the clubs were close to finalising a deal, but Jones remains a Crewe Alexandra player.

“James Jones is a Crewe player. There was some interest in him and we got close but it hasn’t happened" said the boss.

“Jonah is a great professional and he understands. It's part and parcel of football and he is the not the only one during the club’s history that hasn’t quite got over the line. These things are never as straightforward as the supporters believe.

“He is here and we want him back fit. He is a great lad, an intelligent kid and a very good player. He scored 11 goals last season from midfield. That is where we are with it and he is on track to be fit, I’m told in between 4-6 weeks.”