Crewe Alexandra manager David Artell has told the club’s official website that there will always be speculation around incomings and outgoings at all clubs during any transfer window.

The Alex boss says he doesn’t have the time nor the inclination to read rumours on social media, as he tries to bring in fresh faces before the deadline at the end of the month.

Artell told the club’s official website: “I get told rumours that we are in for this player or that player or one of ours is going somewhere. Someone told me Mika was going to Wigan and that was news to me! He isn’t.

“There will be more speculation behind now and the closing of the window. There always is. Sometimes they put 2 and 2 together and get 4, sometimes they get 5 and sometimes they get 55 because they are so wide of the mark.

“All I know is; we are all working hard to bring in players to improve us. August was horrific for us and no one could predict what happened there. We had two new signings retire, we sold Kirky and had one player go on strike, so there was a lot to deal with.

“You cannot predict what will happen and all we can do is work as hard as we can on getting the right players in. I am after players who will come in and improve us, and I don’t care if they come in on loan or on a permanent deal.

David added: “We have irons in the fire, but these things always take time and is not always our fault when there can be delays. We are confident that we will get there by the end of January and have what we will need.”