David Artell has confessed that ‘it will take time’ to sort out Perry Ng’s future. The Alex boss has opened initial talks with the highly-rated defender and his representatives about a new contract. The early signs have been encouraging with Ng declaring that he would like to stay at Gresty Road.

The Liverpool-born defender, who was runner-up to Eddie Nolan for the player-of-the-season award still has 12 months of his current deal remaining but Artell is keen to reward the 22-year-old with a new and improved deal.

Artell told the club’s official website: “I have spoken to Perry and been in contact with his agent via email. We have gone back with a slightly improved offer and I am waiting to hear back again. These things do take time, that is what happens but I remain confident that Perry sees his future here with us.

“Hopefully we will get it over the line, like the others. It is not always about money. Of course, it is a factor but sometimes it is about development, their opportunity or the end game when they are ready to move on. They like to know what will happen if an offer came on or this and that happened.

“That is only natural and our young players know that we will never stand in their way if the right move came along for them.

“Money is not always the obstacle and I don’t think that will be the case with Perry.”