David Artell says he won't gamble on free agents if it doesn't suit.

David Artell has admitted to the club’s official web-site that he has found the free transfer market tough going.

The Alex boss was on the lookout for a replacement for Ryan Lowe after the striker opted to return to Bury in January and he was denied the chance to sign Jonny Margetts on loan from Scunthorpe United because of FIFA’s new ‘three clubs in a season’ ruling.

Artell told the club’s official web-site: “We are always looking but players are usually free agents for a reason. When you start asking about them you find out why. It could be that they haven’t played for a while, injuries, their attitude, their form, wages.

 “It can be a risk and we won’t take that risk if it is not right. It is tough going, going through the free market.”