Crewe Alexandra’s assistant manager, Lee Bell, says that the club will look to sign a new goalkeeper this summer to challenge Dave Richards for the number one spot.

The departure of Will Jaaskelainen at the conclusion of his contract means the club will be seeking a more senior goalkeeper to push Richards once again.

Richards, 28, emerged as the club’s number one goalkeeper last season, making 35 appearances in all competitions.

With new boss Alex Morris aiming to create fierce competition for places, a new goalkeeper will only enhance that battle between the posts.

Bell told the club’s official website: “We want that competition throughout the squad and the goalkeeper position will be no different. We have Dave Richards, who has deserved to have established himself as number one, and young Tom Booth.

“Tom is going to be an excellent goalkeeper and he is only going to progress massively by training with the first team and being in and around the squad. He is still only young but he is another we have high hopes for coming through.

“We will look to bring in another goalkeeper. We want a goalkeeper of quality. We feel that when we do there is going to be real competition for the position and it will push Dave on as well.

He added: “Dave knows he will have to work hard to keep the number one spot for next season.”