David Artell says he remains hopeful that he will be able to bring in new players during the January transfer window.

The Alex boss has already held talks with the club’s board of directors over recruitment and Artell says that the transfer window is a chance to improve the team and squad.

Talking ahead of this weekend’s trip to Swindon, Artell said: “The work is on-going and the signs are good.

“We have had talks with the board about possible business and they have been brilliant. Hopefully we can get something done sooner rather than later.

“All transfer windows are significant because they are a chance to improve. We want to improve the team and the squad. We have to try to stay ahead of the curve. If that is to stay ahead of the chasing pack, the other teams or whoever.

“We are focussed on one particular area at the moment and we will go from there. We will look at all areas and do our due diligence.

He added: “It is more likely to be loans but if a player would improve us then we are not ruling out permanent deals either.”