Crewe Alexandra’s search for a centre-half has intensified with the news that Omar Beckles has decided to join Leyton Orient. The 29-year-old wanted a return to London and teams up with Kenny Jackett’s O’s after completing a season at Mornflake Stadium.

Beckles, who joined us on a 12-month deal from Shrewsbury Town last summer made 43 appearances for the Railwaymen, scoring his only goal in a 2-0 home win over Accrington Stanley back in February.

David Artell had wanted the Kettering-born defender to remain in Cheshire and had offered him fresh terms - but Beckles was eager to return to the capital for family reasons. He has joined Leyton Orient’s bid for promotion and everyone at Crewe wishes him well.

With the experienced Olly Lancashire also departing the club this summer, Artell has three recognised centre-backs to choose from in Luke Offord, Donervon Daniels and Billy Sass-Davies, who spent the bulk of last season on loan at Yeovil Town.

A new centre-half to bolster Artell’s options has been a priority for much of the summer but has now only increased with Beckles’ departure.