David Artell described Charlie Kirk’s match winning performance at the Riverside Stadium as ‘Championship standard’ but with the transfer window now closed for those clubs, does the Alex boss still fear losing his asset to a big club in League One before the final EFL deadline closes on 2nd September?
Artell says that he isn’t losing any sleep over it and says that he would only cross that bridge if a realistic bid came in.
The Crewe boss told the club’s official website: “Kirky produced a Championship standard performance in a big Stadium. He scored one and made one and that is what he is in the team for.
“I was relived the window closed for the Premier League and the Championship clubs and I am happy we kept our players. I am happy with the numbers but if a big League One club came in for one of our players and met the asking price then it is our business model to consider it.
“There are clubs in League One, who are capable of paying £750,000-£1 million for players. If we were to lose someone like Charlie then we would have a problem because I think Real Madrid have said that Gareth Bale isn’t available!
He added: “All you can do as a manager and a football club is carry on and cross that bridge if it comes to it. You never know but he has been exceptional for us over the last 18 months, and he isn't the only one.”