Crewe Alexandra boss David Artell says he is still open to signing players on a permanent contract if one comes along.

Artell admitted that ‘he had a sniff’ of a permanent deal only last week but a deal did not materialise. The club remain hopeful of signing the vastly experienced defender Nicky Hunt and he is still aiming to bring more new faces into the club if the right player comes along.

Artell told the club’s official website: “If we do anything else then it would probably be a loan but I am certainly not ruling out any permanent signing if one comes along.

“We had a sniff of a permanent deal last week but it didn’t work out for one reason or another. I am not against signing another permanent one if one came along.

He added: “I am satisfied that we have cover in virtually every area with the exception of left-back but Perry could switch over or if he signs, Nicky Hunt can play that side also.”