David Artell says the club have ‘irons in the fire’ when it comes to the January window but he also admits that it has been a frustrating few days as clubs wait on movements of their own before committing.

Artell would like to add ‘one or two new faces’ to impact on his squad and help us in the second half of the season.

The Crewe boss told the club’s official website: “We have irons in the fire and we are waiting for some green lights. It can be frustrating at times and I think it will go late in this window.

“Clubs are holding back and I understand that. They don’t want to expose themselves financially and have to get their own books in order.

“You tend to have to second guess what is happening, to see if one comes in, so they can allow one out. It is like chess at the minute but there are still over two weeks left.

“The activity may come late but we would like to do something if we can. We are not massively in need but we would like to see if we can one or two additions who could help us.

“We will work on recruitment going down to Plymouth, socially distancing, and then discuss it at the hotel when the staff are back together.

“This window is always harder the summer one because there are games going on and clubs do not want to destabilise their squads too much.

“The summer gives you a longer period and a lot more of the work can be done rather than crammed into this four week period. Clubs are certainly more reluctant in conducting their business in January. “