David Artell says that contract talks with players will continue in earnest. The Alex boss revealed at the virtual fans forum last night that he hopes to announce some positive news concerning one player next week.

The Crewe boss announced: “We are always discussing and always talking over matters. We are always looking to the future and planning ahead.

“On the contract situation, we are close to one and I am hopeful that we will have some positive news regarding that next week.

“We are talking with another one and haven’t quite started on another that we want to talk to. We are a long way off with another.

“It isn’t just these three or four. There is plenty more going on. It is a busy time and we are already planning ahead for the summer. You have to because if you don’t then you don’t get the opportunities coming that you should.

“You always have to push forward and put the work in.”