Crewe Alexandra boss David Artell says that he doesn’t want the club to be second choice to any of the players he wishes to sign this summer. The Alex boss wants some of his own out-of-contract players to commit their future to the club but he says that he cannot afford to wait for ever for them to decide.

He also wants any potential new signings to be keen to sign for the club and not necessary uses us as a bargaining tool elsewhere.

The Crewe Alexandra boss is looking for that commitment as he looks to start assembling his squad again for next season.

He said: “I don’t want any player at this club to think we are second choice. I understand when we offer a contract they are going to see what’s in the market and I respect that.

“There has to be a courtship, and there are different ways for different players and agents.

 “I’d never allow it to go into July like it has in the past, or I’d never have that intention. That’s not good for anyone.

“We’ll see. I don’t know how it will pan out. I just know we’ll be trying our utmost to improve the team over the course of the summer.

“We’ll be having chats with players this week like we have been doing.”

The boss added: “Whatever decisions we make, it will be in the best interests of the club.”