Crewe Alexandra manager David Artell has told the club’s official website that agreeing to the sale of Brad Walker to Shrewsbury Town was not essential to our own recruitment plans during the January transfer window.

The Alex boss has made it clear that he wants to add some new faces to the Football Club, especially after allowing Kevin O’Connor and Corey Whelan to return to their respective clubs after their loan deal expired.

Artell is happy to have Walker off his wage bill but says that it was not essential to sell him.

The Alex boss added: “The Brad deal was not essential to what we want to do in the window. Obviously it helps but it wasn’t essential for us to do it. It just felt right.

“The deal with Shrewsbury hasn’t had a major impact on incoming transfers. It suited us to do it and it doesn’t mean we are actively seeking a replacement for him.”