David Artell says he will allow one or two of his centre-halves to leave during the extended summer transfer window. The Alex boss is blessed with numbers in that position with six vying for two possible spots.

Artell has informed two members of his squad that ‘he cannot promise them first-team football’ this season and they are free to look elsewhere during the window. The Alex boss has stressed though that there is no pressure or insistence from the club that they have to depart this summer.

Artell explained the situation to crewealex.net: “With the two we have bought in this summer (Beckles and Donveron) we now have 6 centre-halves on our books, so I have spoken to a couple of them and just told them that I cannot promise them first team football and they would be free to leave if they can sort something before the deadline.

“There is no pressure or insistence that they do go but I was honest with them and told them that it is probably better for them to look for regular football rather than perhaps play only a handful of games here.

He added: “I am sure it is not what they wanted to hear but I was honest with them and the ball is in their court. They deserved that honesty and we will see where we get to with it.”