Crewe Alexandra boss David Artell says that plans to bring in some fresh faces during the January transfer window are well underway. Artell is looking to bring in new players to bolster his options and improve his current XI if the right players come along.

Artell believes that he already has a strong squad to choose from and that competition for places is high and healthy, but he says he would like to recruit in the New Year if possible.

David told the club’s official website: “Would I expect new players in January? Yes.

“In what positions? I don’t really know yet, but it’s an opportunity to improve so why would we not?

“The planning behind the scenes has been going on for weeks, we have to make sure we cover all bases.

“There could be an injury to one of our players which makes plans change, it could be one transfer out, we have a lot of young players out on loan, we’ve got Brad Walker out on loan – what’s going to happen with Brad?

“There are lots of variables and it’s a lot harder to plot a way through January than it is in summer.

“Things tend to happen quickly, but we can’t get caught on the hop and make poor decisions.

“That’s why we plan. We have to try to understand our strengths and weaknesses so that whatever happens, we make the best choices.”