David Artell has told the club’s official website that he has had more positive talks with George Ray and the two of them have now agreed on a timescale. The Crewe Alexandra manager remains ‘very confident’ that the former Wales Under-21 International will sign a new contract with the club.

Artell expects a decision from the central defender next week and he remains hopeful that the man he made captain of the club in January will remain with us.

David told the club’s official website: “Me and George have spoken again and we have agreed on a timescale. It isn’t me being overly strict. It has been decided by both parties. We just need to know where we both are that’s all.

“I do fully expect him to sign and I’m not losing any sleep over it. I remain very confident that George will remain a Crewe Alexandra player.

“I think that if it was all down to George then he would have signed already.”