Crewe Alexandra manager, David Artell, has told the club’s official website that he step up his search for defenders as he aims to bolster his squad further in readiness for the new season. The Alex boss reported this week that he aims ‘to bring in one or two more new faces’ and has prioritized a centre-half in the wake of Omar Beckles’ decision to move on.

With Olly Lancashire also moving on after his contract expired, it leaves Artell with just three first-team centre-halves in Luke Offord, Donervon Daniels and Billy Sass-Davies on the books.

The Alex boss told the club’s official website: “We have looked at all positions and what we need and we need some defenders. One definitely. Two? Quite possibly.

“Once we do that then we will get into other areas and have a look at what we may need. A lot will depend on how some of the players come back for the pre-season. Some can come back and really surprise you.

“We will take stock and review it from that point. We will have a look if we need anything else. We will see where we need to get too.”