Ryan Dicker remains hopeful that Crewe Alexandra will make a signing before Saturday’s trip to Mansfield Town.

The Assistant Manager revealed that work is ongoing to secure one player on loan, while other irons are in the fire.

And he is optimistic of more new faces to follow next week.

Dicker said: “We were hoping that we’d have one through the door and done - but that hasn’t happened yet due something from their end with his parent club.

“We will be working to get that ironed out and over the line. Other negotiations were positive yesterday but until the paperwork is signed you can’t be sure.

“Hopefully, by Saturday, we will have an addition to the group, and hopefully a couple more by the middle of next week.”

Injury and ilness have hit the Alex squad hard over the past couple of months, and Lee Bell and his backroom team are keen to bolster their options.

Dicker added: “The recruitment team have been working behind the scenes for two or three months, looking for targets that not only fit the group but have the right traits to improve us.  

“It helps that we are known for playing younger players and giving them opportunities, but we want good players - the age doesn’t matter.”