Crewe Alexandra will do ‘everything possible’ to sign James Beadle on loan next season – but will face stiff competition from clubs in higher divisions.

That’s according to Manager Lee Bell, who revealed he has already spoken to the Premier League club about borrowing their outstanding 18-year-old keeper for a second time.

An ankle injury, sustained at Colchester on Easter Monday, has brought an end to the England Under-19s star’s season, after nine appearances for The Railwaymen.

But Bell hopes to bring him back for 2023-24.

He said: “We will do everything possible to get him here next season, but he will definitely have suitors from higher up.  

“We’ve already had conversations with Brighton, and I’ve explained what we can offer James. They have plans for how they’d like him to progress, so we will have to see.

“Brighton are a great club to work with, they have helped us massively. They just want what is best for their young players, which is refreshing. There will be competition, and James and Brighton will have to make a decision.

“James, like Arthur (Okonkwo), is going to have an excellent career. I know their clubs think really highly of them, and they are right to. It’s something we will keep a close eye on going into next season.”

Beadle joined Crewe on loan in January and kept three clean sheets during his time. He has now returned to The Amex Stadium for treatment.