David Artell expresses a warning to players who think they can wait to the final minute before deciding on their next destination. There will only be enough space for so many.

Players will have to be ‘extremely careful’ when it comes to holding out of for a better deal this summer, according to Crewe Alexandra boss David Artell.

Artell has already met with players and their representatives to express our interest in possibly signing them this closed season and the Alex boss believes that the market changes due to the global pandemic has placed more power back into the hands of clubs as they look to operate with smaller squads on lower wages.

Artell feels that players holding out for as long as possible, instead of sorting themselves early could really be in for a ‘major shock’ in July.

David told the club’s official website: “I think the market is changing. Whereas previously an agent and a player may hold out for what they believe is their value, I think there will be a lot of players in for a shock.

“There will be those players who will command their value because they are very good players and are in demand. Then there will be those who think they are in that bracket and won’t be. Unless they come down and find that middle ground they could be left without a club this summer.

“I genuinely believe that will be case and there will be a lot of players who could find themselves out of football. They will command a value when in all seriousness; they aren’t going to get that value.

“With clubs having to tighten their belts a bit, there has been a power shift back to the clubs. Wages will be reduced and it will become all very cagey. There will only be enough space for so many.

“We spoke to one last summer and he turned us down saying he was going to the Championship and he ended up in League Two and only signed in November. They have to be careful this summer.

The Alex boss added: “If they don’t sort themselves as early as possible then it really could catch them out later on.”